Bagan Datuk Bridge opens today

BAGAN DATUK: The 1.5 kilometre-long Bagan Datuk Bridge across the Perak River, linking Bagan Datuk and Kampung Sejagop, in the Pasir Salak parliamentary constituency, opens today.

The opening of the bridge was symbolised with the flagging-off of a cycling team and a group of motorcyclists on high-powered motorcycles to their destinations by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at 9.40 am today.

According to Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW), the bridge will boost economic development in the Pasir Salak and Bagan Datuk parliamentary constituencies.

Earlier, Ahmad Zahid launched a new route for the Ekspres MARA Liner Sdn. Bhd stage bus service in Bagan Datuk. It was held at the Tuminah Hamidi Mosque grounds here.

Meanwhile, Public Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi during a visit to the bridge site, said the construction of the Bagan Datuk Bridge, in the Hilir Perak district, would shorten the traveling time for residents in the area.

Ahmad Zahid, in his speech at the bridge opening ceremony, suggested the bridge be named the Tuanku Sultan Nazrin Shah Bridge.

He said he would seek an audience with the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah to get the ruler's consent and to officially open the bridge.

Ahmad Zahid also thanked the Works Ministry and the State Public Works Department for their commitment to getting the bridge completed.

Ahmad Zahid said the heavy vehicle factory would be built by a listed company which is already involved in light passenger and commercial vehicle manufacturing.

On the EV and battery manufacturing plant, Ahmad Zahid said it was proposed by a vehicle making company from China, which was looking for more space for its business activities.

"Both the heavy industry and EV ventures can create no fewer than 7,500 new jobs," he said.

Apart from this, Ahmad Zahid said a Turkish company had met him regarding a proposal to build a shipyard, as there was a high demand for repair and maintenance services by merchant ships plying the Straits of Melaka.

Ahmad Zahid said when completed the dockyard can provide about 2,500 job opportunities, and this is in line with the marine engineering, naval architecture and ship welding courses offered by Bagan Datuk Polytechnic.

"I have started discussions on these three proposed projects and will take follow-up actions. This is a good start and we have to set aside our differences. We build new confidence among the people so that even those in surrounding areas will benefit," he said.

He said the new bridge would benefit not only the 70,000 commuters from Bagan Datuk but also at least 250,000 users from three other districts, namely the Pasir Salak, Teluk Intan and Sabak Bernam parliamentary constituencies.

On the MLSB stage bus services, Ahmad Zahid said the new routes covered include from Bagan Datuk to Kampong Gajah, Bagan Datuk to Teluk Intan and Changkat Lada.

-- BERNAMA