BAGAN DATUK: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has directed that work to construct Bailey bridges along routes that have been disconnected in flood-hit areas nationwide be expedited. Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the National Disaster Management Committee chairman, emphasized that the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and the Public Works Department (JKR) possess sufficient stock for constructing Bailey bridges in the affected regions. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid stated, "I will seek the cooperation of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) Engineers Corps as well as the state and district JKR to take immediate action on the construction of Bailey bridges as there is a need to send aid to the residents and for rescue operations." He further mentioned that permanent bridges would replace the Bailey bridges, with NADMA, JKR, and the Implementation Coordination Unit in the Prime Minister's Department (ICU) having adequate allocation to rebuild these bridges, especial ly in rural areas. Earlier, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, inaugurated the Perak Sejahtera Social One Stop Centre (OSC) Programme for the Bagan Datuk district. The event was attended by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. As the Bagan Datuk Member of Parliament, Ahmad Zahid instructed that the construction of Bailey bridges be completed within 48 hours in the flood-affected areas. He recalled a previous instance where a Bailey bridge was constructed within 72 hours between Segamat (Johor) and Rompin (Pahang), with the cooperation of military engineers and JKR. He noted that approximately seven locations have been identified for Bailey bridge construction nationwide, with adequate assets available for the task. Additionally, the Malaysian Meteorological Department has provided data a week in advance of the monsoon surge and increased rainfall, enabling better flood preparedness, including early evacuation of victims to temporary evacuation centers. Ahmad Za hid advised flood victims to remain patient at relief centers and instructed disaster management committees to open new centers, even if unregistered, to meet evacuation needs due to the sudden rise in flood victims. In his speech at the event, Ahmad Zahid highlighted that Bagan Datuk is the ninth district to launch the OSC Programme. He expressed gratitude to the Menteri Besar for his concern for the district, emphasizing the program's role in addressing basic personal and family issues for the people of Perak, particularly those in the hardcore poor household category.