Bridge falling apart, needs to be repaired

AN OLD pedestrian bridge near the Batu Caves KTM Komuter station in Gombak, Selangor, is falling apart and in urgent need of repairs.

Users and tourists said that the bridge, which crosses over the train lines, was not safe.

The bridge connects visitors from the Batu Caves temple and the surrounding areas to Jalan Station.

It is also widely used by SJK (T) Batu Caves’ students to get to and from nearby housing areas.

Ganesh Raman, 60, said the structure’s roof had numerous holes.

Ganesh says the pedestrian bridge is unusable during heavy rain.

“Each time there is a downpour, several inches of water stagnate on the bridge, making it impassable.

“Some people resorted to placing wooden palettes on the floor so that at least their shoes would not get soaked,” he said, adding that the bridge’s condition had deteriorated over the past year.

Ganesh hoped that the authorities would repair the bridge before the school session resumed in early May.

Peter Lai, a 69-year-old tourist from Hong Kong, said that the poorly maintained bridge gave a negative impression to visitors.

“It is a shame as it is near a major attraction and should be in good condition.

“We were initially unsure if we were even allowed to use it as we thought it was closed to the public,” said Lai, adding that they were crossing over to a row of eateries on the other side of the bridge.

The matter was brought to StarMetro’s attention after several videos emerged, showing the bridge’s horrible condition.

The videos were believed to have been taken during the recent Thaipusam festival, when thousands of devotees visited the Batu Caves temple.

When contacted, Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) Corporate Department director Mohamad Zin Masoad said the structure was under the jurisdiction of the Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) and had not been handed over to the council.

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) has yet to respond to comments on the matter at press time.