Bekok assemblyman calls for repair work to be reviewed, reassessed to ensure it meets construction standards
CONCERNS have been raised over the quality of work carried out on a bridge culvert in Segamat, Johor, after cracks reappeared about six months after reconstruction was completed.
Bekok assemblyman Tan Chong said the culvert in Ladang Nam Kim Siong, Sungai Karas, first developed cracks in March last year due to strong water pressure.
The damage eventually led to the collapse of the bridge after soil erosion occurred.
“After that, the contractor of the electrified double-tracking train service project carried out reconstruction works, which were completed last September,” said Tan.
“It is disappointing that cracks have again appeared on the bridge, about six months after it was rebuilt.
“This raises concern over the quality of the construction.”
Tan said he had asked the relevant authorities to conduct a review and reassessment of the project to ensure construction standards were met, in the interest of road user safety.
On another matter, he said slope stabilisation works at SMK Bekok have been completed, resolving safety concerns.
“The slope connecting the school building to the field collapsed during the major floods in March 2023, forcing the school to close the stairway route and requiring students to use an alternative path to access the field,” said Tan.
“I repeatedly raised the matter at Segamat District Action Council meetings and also wrote to the Education Ministry in 2024 and 2025 to seek urgent action.
“This led to the ministry’s allocation of RM200,000 for the repair works,” he said.
He added that the works covered the construction of a drainage system at the top of the slope as well as installation of gabion structures at the bottom and protective layers at exposed areas to prevent soil erosion by rainwater.
