Construction Of New Sungai Rambai Bridge Must Be Prioritised, Says Rep

MELAKA, Dec 30 (Bernama) -- The construction of a new Sungai Rambai Bridge, first raised by its assemblyman Datuk Siti Faizah Abdul Azis last year, must now be prioritised following the closure of the existing bridge due to structural damage on the link between Melaka and Johor.

She said the proposal for the construction of a new bridge had been brought to the State Executive Council Meeting (MMKN), as the existing structure was unsuitable for long-term use.

“Several factors need to be considered, and immediate action taken, as the bridge — built in the early 1950s to connect Kesang and Tangkak in Johor with Sungai Rambai — has only undergone routine maintenance without any major upgrades.

“When cracks appeared on the support pillars, believed to have been caused by the impact of tree debris carried by the strong current, leading to the bridge’s closure yesterday, it signals that urgent action is needed for the welfare of residents in both states,” she told Bernama.

She added that with recent heavy rainfall and rising river levels, repairs or the construction of a new bridge must be expedited, as these conditions are placing additional pressure on the bridge, contributing to further cracking of the support pillars.

She explained that although routine river clearing is conducted annually by state authorities, the exceptionally heavy rainfall this year has resulted in strong currents carrying significant tree debris, which struck the old bridge with considerable force.

Siti Faizah said bilateral discussions between the Melaka and Johor governments on building a new bridge have been ongoing since last year, involving several agencies including the Public Works Department (JKR) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage.

Commenting further, she said future planning for Sungai Rambai, including upgrading Dataran Riverside near Laman Belia and proposals to construct a jetty for tourist boats, is among the reasons why urgent repairs are needed.

“The proposed jetty and tourist boat route also highlight the need for a new bridge, as the existing bridge is too low to allow boats or sampan to pass beneath it,” she said.

She added that while the bridge closure has not seriously affected general traffic due to alternative routes via the Alor Gajah-Melaka Tengah-Jasin (AMJ) Highway, villagers still face difficulties, particularly for daily commutes.

“For local residents who usually use this bridge to avoid congestion on the main road, especially during holidays, they now have to take a longer route for daily activities.

“This is because Kesang and Sungai Rambai are closely linked socially and in terms of basic amenities, including healthcare, with many Kesang residents relying on facilities in Sungai Rambai,” she said.

Siti Faizah added that she has been informed that JKR is currently conducting a detailed study, including the possibility of installing a temporary Bailey bridge to ease residents’ movement while awaiting the construction of a safer permanent bridge.

“We hope that at least a temporary bridge can be installed soon for the safety and convenience of the local community,” she said.

-- BERNAMA