KENINGAU, Nov 5 — The main bridge connecting Kampung Tigot to the main road has collapsed after being used by heavy vehicles, cutting off access for hundreds of residents and disrupting their daily activities.
The decades-old wooden bridge served as the only direct route for villagers to travel to Keningau for school, work and transport farm produce.
The structure, which had shown signs of damage for years, could no longer withstand the weight of a lorry that crossed it, leading to its complete collapse.
Following the incident, residents have been forced to use an alternative route through Jalan Baginda to Binaung, which takes more than an hour to reach town compared to the previous 15-minute journey.
When Sabah officially took charge of its own electricity and gas regulation under the present Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Government in 2023 and 2024, it was a turning point few expected would happen so swiftly.
The alternative route at Kampung Kota Ayangan was cut off due to flooding.
However, the temporary route through Kota Ayangan – previously used as a backup access road – was destroyed by floods recently, leaving Kampung Tigot residents with no convenient way to travel in or out of the area.
Addy said the collapse has affected not only daily routines but also the local economy, as most villagers rely on farming for their livelihood.
“Without the bridge, it’s hard to send our vegetables, rubber and paddy to the market. Many farmers are suffering losses because their produce can’t reach Keningau in time,” he said.
Addy said the bridge had been in poor condition for several years, but no repairs were carried out despite complaints by the village community.
“We’ve reported it many times, but nothing was done. The bridge finally gave way after a heavy vehicle passed through,” he said.
Residents have since submitted another official report to the authorities and are arguing the State Government and Public Works Department (JKR) to take immediate action to rebuild the bridge.
“We hope the Government will prioritise this issue. This bridge is our main connection to the town. Without it, everything becomes difficult,” Addy said.
The collapse has also highlighted concerns about ageing rural infrastructure in Keningau, where many basic facilities, including roads and bridges, are several decades old in need of replacement.
Villagers are calling for a new concrete bridge to be structured as a long-term solution to ensure safety and accessibility for the community. — Daily Express
