The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has ordered immediate funding to replace the collapsed suspension bridge at Lata Rek in Kuala Krai following an incident that injured several people and disrupted daily access for local communities.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the action is being taken “in the interest of public safety and convenience”. The ICU (Unit Penyelarasan Pelaksanaan) of the Prime Minister’s Department has been tasked to carry out the replacement works, with coordination from relevant agencies to ensure a prompt and effective response.
Lata Rek bridge replacement plan
The collapse occurred at about 2pm when more than 50 guests attending a wedding were on the suspension bridge over Sungai Chatel Damai. Officials believe the structure gave way after a group exiting a ceremony met a returning party on the span, which could not bear the combined load.
Rescue and medical teams attended the scene. Local leaders reported a man with a fractured leg after a fall on rocks, a child with head injuries, and three others with minor wounds and respiratory distress. The Prime Minister expressed deep sympathy for the victims, singling out a newly married couple and families affected by the incident.
Beyond the immediate human impact, the collapse has interrupted daily access for residents of Kampung Pasir Jering, Dusun Ban, Dusun Bunut and Kampung Batu Pagar. The PMO said restoring safe access is a priority and that the replacement bridge will be designed to meet the community’s needs while adhering to safety standards.
The ICU will lead technical assessments and tendering for the replacement work. The PMO statement said agencies will collaborate to ensure the response is rapid and effective, and that public safety is prioritised throughout the process. Temporary measures to assist affected residents, including alternative crossing points and medical support, are being arranged as the replacement proceeds.
Local officials have begun an initial investigation into the causes of the collapse. Early reports indicate the failure was due to the bridge being unable to support the simultaneous traffic of large groups, but a full engineering assessment will determine whether design, maintenance or other factors contributed to the incident.
Residents and community leaders have welcomed the swift directive from the Prime Minister, saying a durable replacement is essential to restore normal life and economic activity in the affected villages. Officials have been urged to provide a clear timeline for the works and to ensure transparency during procurement and construction.
The PMO emphasised that the recovery effort will balance urgency with the need for a safe, long-term solution. As investigations continue, authorities have called for calm and for community members to follow safety guidance while the replacement plan is carried out.
Photo: Local authorities
Key Takeaways:
- Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has ordered immediate funding to replace the collapsed suspension bridge at Lata Rek, initiating a rapid response to restore access.
- The Unit Penyelarasan Pelaksanaan (ICU) of the Prime Minister’s Department will lead the Lata Rek bridge replacement with support from relevant agencies.
- More than 50 wedding guests fell into the river when the bridge failed, leaving several injured; local access to neighbouring villages is affected.
- Authorities are coordinating emergency aid, medical treatment and temporary access arrangements while investigations continue.
