BAGAN DATUK: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has launched a new road under a project to upgrade a narrow bridge at Simpang Masjid Al-Quro’ here.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, in a statement issued via the Perak Public Works Department (JKR) today (March 7) said the project was undertaken to replace an ageing and narrow bridge that had posed safety risks to road users.
He said the area had also experienced traffic congestion, particularly on weekends, when tourists visit attractions such as the Tuminah Hamidi Floating Mosque, Bagan Datuk Square, the Sunflower Garden and Sky Mirror.
"The project was approved under the Third Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan, and funded by the Federal Government through the ministry, and JKR as the implementing agency.
"The works involved replacing the existing single-lane, two-way bridge located at a main junction in Bagan Datuk town that connects Kampung Pasang Api and nearby areas to Federal Road (FT069)," he said.
He said construction began on Aug 8, 2024 and was originally scheduled for completion on Aug 5 with an allocation of RM2.9mil.
"However, the project was completed on March 4, five months ahead of schedule.
"The contractor, MS Mega Jaya Sdn Bhd, completed the construction at a cost of RM2.1mil, resulting in savings of about RM800,000," he added.
Ahmad Zahid said the upgraded bridge is expected to improve traffic flow around Bagan Datuk town and benefit about 7,000 residents from nine nearby villages, including Kampung Teluk Penikam, Kampung Pasang Api, Kampung Sungai Nipah Baroh and Kampung Sungai Betul.
He said the new route would also provide better connectivity to state road (A123), Federal Road FT069, the Sultan Nazrin Shah Bridge and the West Coast Expressway (WCE), while supporting tourism and socio-economic growth in the district ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
