MP calls for urgent construction of Selampit Bridge following recent capsize tragedy in Sungai Kayan

KUCHING (Aug 20): Mas Gading MP Mordi Bimol is advocating for the urgent construction of the Selampit Bridge following the recent capsize in Sungai Kayan, Kampung Selampit in Lundu.

In a statement, Mordi called on the federal government, Sarawak government, State Planning Authority (SPA), Public Works Department and all related parties to expedite the construction of the bridge and the Kendaie-Selampit road projects.

“It is incidents like this we want to prevent. How long must the residents in the villages around Sungai Batang Kayan wait? How many more lives need to be lost?” he lamented.

He noted that while the Selampit Bridge project was approved under the 11th Malaysia Plan, there was still no indication the project would commence.

“As a representative, I have repeatedly raised this issue in Parliament but unfortunately, the project continues to be delayed due to the slow site approval process by the State Planning Authority,” he stressed.

Mordi said site approval requests had been made four times since 2018, but the process had been excessively prolonged.

“Are there elements deliberately delaying or obstructing the implementation of this project?

“If the site approval process had not been delayed, the Selampit Bridge project might have been completed – potentially preventing such tragedy,” he said.

Mordi also expressed concern about the rising costs of the bridge project due to changes in project alignment and location, as well as increasing construction costs – delays which he feared could further endanger the safety and lives of residents.

“Even thought the project received SPA approval on Sept 27, 2022, the original construction cost of RM27.93 million is now insufficient. The project now requires an additional RM14.1 million, increasing the total cost to RM42.03 million,” he said.

He also emphasized the lives and safety of residents should not be politicised and urged the state government and federal government to act responsibly in expediting these projects.

Mordi also assured that as a representative and voice of the people, he would ensure all forms of support and assistance are provided to the families of the victims involved in the incident.

He also urged those using river transport to exercise greater caution and take safety measures, especially when transporting students to school, to prevent such incidents from recurring.