Terengganu: The Terengganu government today received a Bailey bridge, a strategic asset to help the state respond to natural disasters such as major floods and landslides. State Infrastructure, Utilities and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Hanafiah Mat announced that Terengganu is among the first states to receive the bridge, valued at RM4.55 million, through an allocation under the Malaysian Road Records Information System (MARRIS) provided by the federal government.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the 140-foot-long bridge, measuring 4.2 meters wide, will enable faster temporary restoration of road networks in the event of disasters like road collapses, especially during the flood season. Datuk Hanafiah Mat emphasized that the bridge would ensure that emergency and logistical assistance can be delivered without delay when disasters occur. He shared these details with reporters at the project completion and Bailey bridge handover ceremony in Kampung Durian Mentangau.

Also present at the event was the state Public Works Department (PWD) director Dr. Hasli Ibrahim. Hanafiah, who also serves as the deputy chairman of the State Disaster Committee, highlighted that the state PWD has established a Bailey bridge team comprising 35 trained technical officers from various divisions to ensure the safe and efficient use of the bridge. The team underwent training from August 10 to 14 to prepare for potential disasters, particularly during the upcoming Northeast Monsoon.

In addition, the state government received two completed projects under the PWD through MARRIS allocations. These included the replacement of a damaged bridge on Jalan Durian Mentangau and the construction of a new bridge on Jalan Felda Panchor Merah in Setiu. The infrastructures at both locations were severely damaged in the 2022 floods, which disrupted connectivity and travel for residents.

For the bridge replacement project on Jalan Durian Mentangau in Dungun, the state government allocated RM5.77 million through MARRIS for its design and construction. This project, which included a 30-meter concrete bridge and a 400-meter road upgrade, began in November 2023 and was completed on June 5, over five months ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, the new bridge on Jalan Felcra Panchor Merah in Setiu, costing RM4.95 million, was completed on May 6, 13 days ahead of schedule, without any requests for time extensions or additional costs.