By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, June 7 — The new bridge connecting Sungai Air Tawar in Sabak Bernam to Hutan Melintang, Perak is expected to be completed by June 2026, said state executive councillor for rural development and unity Datuk Rizam Ismail.
He said the 2.8km project, with an estimated cost of RM219 million, is 28 per cent complete. Construction began last year.
“I had the opportunity to personally observe the progress and monitor the construction of the Sungai Air Tawar-Hutan Melintang bridge on June 4,” he posted on Facebook yesterday.
“I was briefed on the project’s progress by representatives from the Public Works Department and the developer, Meranti Budiman Sdn Bhd,” he said.
Rizam said during his visit, he raised the issue of resident safety and urged the developer to provide job opportunities for local youth.
The project was originally scheduled to be completed in May next year, but faced delays due to design issues.
Utusan Malaysia quoted Rizam as saying during his visit that once the bridge is completed, it is expected to benefit over 20,000 residents in 18 villages in the Sungai Air Tawar constituency, where he is also assemblyman.
“The construction of this bridge will reduce travel time by more than 30 minutes and boost the economy, development and tourism in this area,” he said.
Rizam said the project would help alleviate congestion on the West Coast Expressway and facilitate smoother travel between Selangor and Perak, cutting travel distance by about 40km.
Currently, Sungai Air Tawar residents have to use the main bridge in Sabak Bernam, which takes them about an hour to reach Hutan Melintang.
In 2021, the Selangor government announced the construction of a bridge across Sungai Bernam, implemented under the federal rural road project of the 12th Malaysia Plan.
The project included the construction of a 1.2km road, installation of street lights at the road and bridge intersections, new drainage system and utility relocations.
