The Bailey bridge connecting Jalan Slim River-Behrang Hulu opened on Sept 20. — Photos: Bernama
THE Bailey bridge on Jalan Slim River-Behrang Hulu in Perak has opened to traffic, bringing much relief to residents in the vicinity.
The old bridge in Slim River, Tanjung Malim collapsed on Aug 23.
This had significantly impacted the local community, as their access to Kampung Slim and Behrang town was cut off.
Ramadass says after the bridge reopening, his grocery store was flooded with customers.
With access restored following the opening of the Bailey bridge on Sept 20, a grocery store in the area was flooded with customers.
K. Ramadass, the grocery shop owner in Kampung Slim, noted that regular customers were moved to tears upon the “reunion” after so many days apart due to the bridge collapse.
“Many missed the convenience of shopping for essentials here,” he told Bernama.
“Around 4.30pm customers started gathering at the bridge and by 5pm, my shop was packed.
“In my 34 years of business here, I’ve never experienced anything like this,” he said.
After the bridge collapse, his business dropped by 70%.
Ramadass hopes the new bridge will be of higher quality and more durable.
It was earlier reported that the 77m-long and 7.5m-wide bridge collapsed because of debris carried by floodwaters.
Kampung Lintah resident Nurhanisah Ab Rahim said that she could only work in a school canteen to support her family after the bridge collapsed.
Now, she can resume her job as a shop assistant.
“Our town is lively again and my children can easily get to school.
“They had to attend a different school further away in Behrang during the bridge closure,” she said.
