10 Bailey bridges linking Ba’Kelalan ready by Nov

Construction of 10 Bailey bridges from Ba’Kelalan to Long Luping, costing some RM50.2 million, are expected to be completed by November this year.This initiative is under a project called ‘Jiwa Murni’, which is a joint collaboration between the federal government, state government and the army. Its implementation is being monitored and facilitated by the Royal Regiment Malaysian Army.

This was disclosed by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during his working visit here yesterday.

Arriving at Ba’Kelalan yesterday morning with some local and West Malaysian newsmen on tow, Zahid said the project was divided into two phases. Construction work on Phase I started in September 2009 while that for Phase II started this month.

“Phase I consists of four bridges, while there are six in Phase II…both phases are expected for completion this Nov 30.

“Phase I of the project is already 90 per cent completed, while phase II just started on April 1,” said Zahid, adding that a total 70 army personnel from Kuching and Kota Kinabalu have been deployed to the area for the project.

Zahid said the project had effectively squashed allegations hurled by the opposition that the government was not sincere in delivering the project.

“We have no agendas, but to give the people within this area access to proper communication access,” he pointed out.

Among those accompanying Zahid in his visit were Lawas Member of Parliament Dato Henry Sum Agong, Ba’Kelalan state assemblyman Nelson Balang Rining, Army Deputy Chief General Leftenan General Datuk Zulkifeli Mohd Zain, Royal Regiment Malaysian Engineer Army Brigadier General Dato’ Ir Abdul Nasser Ahmad, and Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Naroden Majais.


by Margaret Ringgit
April 14, 2010, Wednesday