Parit Markom bridge in Pontian collapses after heavy rain

The heavy downpour that occurred yesterday evening is believed to have caused a bridge crossing Sungai Pinggan in Kampung Parit Markom, near Pontian, to collapse this morning.

Pontian District officer On Jabbar said the bridge, about 100 metres long, collapsed at about 10.45am this morning but no injuries or casualties were reported.

"Based on initial inspections, heavy rain and pressure from rubbish in the river are believed to be among the contributing factors to the collapse of the concrete bridge that was built in 1970s," he said when contacted here today.

On said the collapsed bridge however did not affect the 70 families living in Kampung Parit Markom as the bridge was the alternative route and a shortcut to Pontian town.

He said the Public Works Department (PWD) had closed the bridge as a safety measure.

"Following this incident, we have already applied for a provision under the Disaster Emergency to the federal government through Member of Parliament for Pontian Datuk Ahmad Maslan," he said. - BERNAMA