MIRI: Components for an 80-metre Bailey bridge have been delivered by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) to bolster infrastructure resilience in the event of disasters.
It was officially handed over to the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) in Bekenu on Saturday.
Speaking on behalf of the Sarawak government and SDMC, Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas expressed gratitude to NADMA, Profaz Maju Niaga Sdn Bhd, and other stakeholders for their swift coordination in delivering the bridge components.
“This handover underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the critical infrastructure needs of our rural communities,” he said.
Uggah was represented by Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala at the ceremony.
The Bailey bridge components were transported in twelve 40-foot containers from Port Klang to Miri Port, from where the containers were transferred to Bekenu on Jan 6.
The bridge will be installed as part of the bridge replacement project at Sungai Bale in the Mulu constituency, addressing a critical infrastructure need in the area.
In preparation for the bridge’s installation and future projects, 22 personnel will undergo specialised training at PWD Putatan in Sabah from Jan 13-19.
Uggah highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure in the Baram, where numerous log bridges and culverts along former logging roads have deteriorated due to reduced maintenance by concessionaires.
He called for a comprehensive inventory of bridges and culverts in the area to prioritise their replacement and upgrade.
“Our representatives for Baram — Datuk Gerawat Gala, Datuk Dr. Penguang Manggil, Dato’ Dennis Ngau, and Dato’ Anyie Ngau — have been instrumental in advocating for these upgrades. The safety and connectivity of rural communities must remain a top priority,” he emphasised.
NADMA Director-General Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus noted that the bridge purchase aligns with the agency’s strategy to strengthen national logistics assets and disaster response capabilities.
“This initiative is designed to provide quick solutions during emergencies, facilitating the restoration of critical infrastructure such as bridges and roads,” he said.
Also present were Deputy State Secretary (Administration) and Deputy Chairman of SDMC Datu Buckland Bangik, Resident Miri Division Galong Luang, Public Works Department Deputy Director =Wisil Lichok, and Miri Port Authority General Manager Serawa Bidol.
