Villagers in Kiulu cut off from vital bridge connecting both sides of Kg Rangalau Lama

The hanging bridge that connects Kampung Rangalau Lama to a primary school across the river.

KOTA KINABALU: Kampung Rangalau Lama villagers in Kiulu want access to a hanging bridge, which was the only link connecting villagers who lived on both sides of a river.

To make matters worse, villagers on the other side of the river from the village's primary school have seen their travel time of sending the children to school increase from 20 minutes to around an hour.

Just two years ago, villagers could drive up to the hanging bridge from the main road through a hilly stretch, which now belongs to a company developing an eco and agro park spanning 17 hectares.

Kampung Rangalau Lama Village development and security committee chairman Suin Tungging (pic, below) said parents have to drive to Tamparuli town before sending their children to school, which takes about an hour.

"Pregnant mothers from across the river are also forced to take the longer route to go for medical reviews at a health clinic in Kiulu," he said.

He added that the previous land owner had allowed villagers to access the road - once concrete but now a dirt road - that gets muddy and slippery when it rains.

"When the property was sold, assurances were made about continued access. But that's no longer the case," said Tungging.

The villagers, therefore, seek access to the hanging bridge or assistance from the developer in constructing an alternative route since entry onto their property is prohibited.

He said Kampung Rangalau Lama has a total of 662 residents, with about 400 living on the other side of the river.

Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said efforts were undertaken to solve the issue.

“We want to find a solution that benefits both sides,” said Bangkuai.

He added that while the ongoing eco and agro farm project, the first of its kind in Kiulu, will enhance Kiulu’s attractions, the interest of the kampung folks must be considered.

"Naturally, a project of this scale in Kiulu enhances tourism and beckons other investors. But they must also listen to the people’s plights," he said.

The state Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister and Sabah Tourism Board chairman noted the significant increase in the number of tourism operators in Kiulu, rising from about four a decade ago to approximately 80 today.

“I was informed that when this project commences, it will offer at least 40 job opportunities, which I insist must be offered to locals in the area. In addition, there will also be spillovers that would benefit the kampung folks,” he said.

A project manager of Pacific Urban Development Sdn Bhd, the developer of the eco- and agro farm, said that they would discuss the issue with the relevant authorities soon.