New jetty paves way for development in Tg Sepat

The newly upgraded Lovers’ Bridge in Taman Tanjung, Tanjung Sepat.

THE famous Lovers’ Bridge in Taman Tanjung, Tanjung Sepat, has been rebuilt by the Selangor government at a cost of RM3.2mil.

Stretching 306m into the Straits of Malacca, the sulphate-resistant concrete jetty replaces the wooden one that was built before the country’s independence.

The reconstruction also included a ramp, retaining wall and earthworks in the surrounding area.

Built in accordance to Fisheries Development Authority’s guidelines, there is a crane at the end of the jetty, which is a more convenient method for fishing boats to unload their catch.

Selangor Local Government, New Village Development and Legalising of Factories committee chairman Ean Yong Hian Wah, said further development in the form of eateries and other recreational amenities would be available at the square.

Also present was Kuala Langat District Council Engineering director Zulkefli Mohamed Arif, who said the council had opened the project to selective tender and the deadline was April 30.

Among the projects planned are 20 food stalls, 10 kiosks, three gazebos, a 34-bay carpark and disabled friendly toilets.

There is also a plan to build a Buddhist temple for a deity known to locals as “The One With A Thousand Surnames”. This place of worship will cover 0.4ha of land and is targeted for completion in December 2019.

Ean Yong said before the bridge upgrade, the area drew about 2,000 tourists on weekends.

With new amenities, this number is expected to increase along with the economical benefits.

Urgent plans for the jetty’s upgrading were put together after its sudden collapse in June 2013.

Tanjung Sepat Indah Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) head Tai Hoo Chong was there when the jetty collapsed.

“Thirty of us, including Tanjung Sepat assemblyman Mohd Haslin Hassan, were at a site visit at the jetty.

“Suddenly, we heard loud cracking sounds. Those following behind managed to run back to the shore, but Haslin and I fell into the sea,” said Tai who sustained fractures in the incident.

Tai is pleased that the upgrade works was completed.

He said fishing boats could now save up to two hours of travelling time as they previously had to wait for high tide to set their boats adrift.

Sepang Municipal councillors Lwi Kian Keong and Henry Tong said the jetty was popular among fishing enthusiasts and visitors looking to catch the sunset.