IPOH: With unpredictable weather, heavy rain and frequent flash floods, the state government is taking steps to ensure that old bridges and small crossings remain safe during the rainy season, says the Perak government.
State Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said that a total of seven old bridges and small crossings have been repaired and upgraded in 2025, involving a cost of RM1.097mil.
Of that number, he said four bridges and old crossings are located within the Kubu Gajah state constituency.
Nizar was responding to a question from Kubu Gajah assemblyman Khalil Yahaya (Pas) during the question-and-answer session during the state assembly sitting on Friday (Nov 28).
Khalil had asked about the state government’s plans to improve ageing infrastructure in view of increasingly unpredictable weather, heavy rains and frequent flash floods.
He had asked whether old or deteriorated bridges and crossings still used by rural residents, particularly those serving as main access routes to schools, plantations and settlements, would be improved, as well as the river and drainage systems that are poorly maintained, causing risks of flooding and riverbank erosion.
Nizar said that bridges along roads maintained by the Public Works Department, whether state or federal roads, remain in good condition.
He added that the department (JKR,) through its Larut, Matang and Selama (LMS) department, conducts regular inspections and maintenance to ensure all bridges remain functional and safe for road users.
For older bridge structures, he said, the responsibility falls under the agencies that constructed and maintain them, which must assess whether the structures are aged or deteriorating.
The Selama District and Land Office (PDT Selama), he added, also conducts repair and maintenance work and seeks technical input from JKR LMS for the upgrading of bridges under its jurisdiction.
"In addition, the department has held several meetings and discussions with the JPS Larut, Matang and Selama office to address issues related to drainage maintenance," he said.
For drainage systems involving roadside drains and culverts (pembentung jalan) along federal or state roads, JKR carries out cleaning works at least twice a year.
“If there are unforeseen incidents affecting drainage systems along JKR roads, emergency works will be carried out by the appointed concessionaire,” he said.
Regarding river drainage, Nizar said the state government, through the Public Works department, places strong emphasis on river maintenance through a preventive maintenance, identifying issues early and carrying out scheduled maintenance before damage or failure occurs. This aims to prevent severe impacts, including higher repair or maintenance costs.
He said that short, medium and long-term measures are taken into account for each technical issue involving river drainage, with planned works prioritised and supported by allocations approved under state or federal funding.
