IPOH: The Public Works Department (JKR) will inspect the dilapidated wooden bridge near Kampung Lubuk Gaharu, Pos Musoh, where hiker Jaslinda Saludin was recently found, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Perak Mentri Besar said the matter was discussed during the state executive council meeting on Wednesday (June 10) as the bridge links the Orang Asli community in the area.
“The exco meeting had decided to task JKR with carrying out an on-site assessment and evaluation before any decision is made,” he told reporters after officiating the Perak Astronomy Month (Bulan Falak) on Thursday.
He added that the matter was previously requested by former Chenderiang assemblyman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.
However, he said that whenever such requests are made, both the Public Works Department and the state Economic Planning Unit (Upen) will first assess the justifications for it.
“The consideration is the number of people who will use the bridge, as this must be weighed against the cost.
“We also need to determine whether heavy vehicles, cars or motorcycles will be using it,” he said.
“If there is no motorcycle or vehicle traffic, it would not be cost-effective to build a bridge. We may simply repair the existing one,” he added.
When asked whether the state government would recognise or reward the individuals who found Jaslinda, Saarani said he had yet to receive an official report on the matter.
“I have not received an official report yet. We need to verify the details first because later many people may come forward claiming credit.
“Once we receive the official report, we will look into it,” he said.
Jaslinda was found in a weakened state near Kampung Lubuk Gaharu,Pos Musoh, at about 5pm, last Saturday by several Orang Asli residents.
She was reported missing while participating in the Trans Spencer Chapman hike on May 23 via the Pos Gedung-Gunung Bah Gading-Gunung Batu Putih-Kuala Woh route with 13 individuals and two forestry mountain guides.
