Orang Asli villagers want reinforced concrete bridge after being cut off

The Orang Asli community of Pos Simpor in Gua Musang, Kelantan has urged the government to build a reinforced concrete bridge at the nearby Sungai Perias after the existing bridge was washed away recently.

“I hope the Rural Development Ministry, Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa) and the government will act on building a reinforced concrete bridge at Sungai Perias, which is the main road for Pos Simpor and Pos Gob,” said Mohd Syafiq Dendi Abdullah, who is representing three villages in Pos Simpor.

The villagers are now forced to use a makeshift raft to cross the river.

If the bridge is not constructed as soon as possible, Syafiq said they will face difficulties in visiting the nearby clinic in Kuala Betis as well as during times of emergency.

They are also concerned about their children not being able to return to school next year as well as for the safety of the villagers.

However, it was reported in Utusan Malaysia today that the Rural Development Ministry will construct a temporary bailey bridge for the villages surrounding Sungai Perias.

Its deputy minister Abdul Rahman Mohamad said the military has already agreed to help out in setting up the steel bridge soon seeing as the villagers have been cut off for a week.

“We hope the bailey bridge can be constructed as soon as possible so that (the villagers at the affected areas) will not continue to be cut off.

“They are facing difficulties in getting to town for daily activities including sending their children to school,” Abdul Rahman added. 

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