TAMPARULI: For two years, students of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Tamparuli risked their lives daily, crossing a dilapidated suspension bridge to reach school.
Now, parents are relieved that the bridge has been fully refurbished and is safe for the 360 students from Kampung Sawah, Sungai Damit, Bantayan, Dopu, Ruhiang, Kapa, Koporingan, Topokon, Rambai, and Mengkaladoi.
Tamparuli is a small town and a sub-district of Tuaran on the west coast of Sabah on Malaysia's Borneo island.
Some students from Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Pekan Tamparuli also rely on the bridge as an alternative route.
Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) chairman, Michael Kadum, 62, explained that the 100-metre-long bridge was built in the 1970s but became hazardous two years ago due to a lack of maintenance.
"Realising the high dependency on this bridge and the safety risks for students, I began seeking funds to cover the repair costs earlier this year," he said.
"I am grateful that, through the dedicated efforts of the Tamparuli District Office, the suspension bridge was successfully repaired with government funding in nearly three months."
"This development has finally eased parents' long-standing concerns about their children's safety when using the bridge," Michael said, expressing his gratitude to former Assistant District Officer Herman Tunggiging, who helped secure the funds from the state government for the repairs.
A parent, who only wanted to be known as Jass, 50, said he no longer worries about his child or other students using the bridge after its refurbishment.
"I could hardly believe it when I saw the bridge after the repairs—it looks entirely different from before," he said.
Jass added that not only has the bridge floor been replaced with sturdy metal, but the main supporting beams and rusted wire mesh sides have also been renewed, ensuring the bridge's safety and durability.