KUALA LUMPUR: Students in Kota Marudu, Sabah, who rely on ageing suspension bridges to get to school could benefit from repairs or replacement works under a federal allocation of RM4.5mil to the state, says Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the funds, under the Social Amenities Programme (PAMS), cover the repair, construction or upgrading of community facilities, including small bridges and footbridges.
"The scope of PAMS includes repairs, new construction or upgrading of social amenities such as multipurpose halls, community halls, surau and mosques, public squares, as well as small bridges and footbridges," he said in a parliamentary written reply on Wednesday (Feb 4).
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said the allocation could be used to address the problem of dilapidated suspension bridges in districts such as Kota Marudu, where some crossings serve as vital links for residents and are used daily by schoolchildren.
"Through this programme, issues involving ageing suspension bridges can be addressed through repair and maintenance works on existing structures or the construction and replacement of new bridges," he said.
However, he said the actual implementation would depend on priorities, the approval of funds and proposals or applications submitted by relevant stakeholders to the ministry
"These proposals will be considered provided they meet the project scope and guidelines set under PAMS," he added.
Datuk Wetrom Bahanda (PH-Kota Marudu) wanted to know the ministry’s plans to address the worsening condition of suspension bridges in the district, noting that some are crucial routes used by the public, especially students.
