RANTAU PANJANG: About 1,000 residents from eight villages in Tok Uban have been cut off after a 100m bridge collapsed during the recent floods.
The affected villages are Kampung Rong Chenok, Kampung Mahligai, Kampung Pintu Besar, Kampung Sungai Keladi, Kampung Anak Machang, Kampung Poklong, Kampung Chandan and Kampung Alor Pasir.
Villagers said the bridge connecting Kampung Sungai Keladi to Kampung Rong Chenok collapsed and was swept away by strong currents.
Trader Osman Mohamad said during the major flood in 2014, this bridge did not collapse. This is the first time this has happened in their village.
"Normally, we will use the bridge to go to the nearest town. Now we have to use an alternative route which is a bit far," said the 57-year-old.
Housewife Rohaida Jusoh, 38, said she used the bridge to go to the wet market near her home to buy groceries and daily essentials.
The mother-of-three said the damaged bridge had made it difficult for villagers to move around.
Pasir Mas police chief Assistant Commissioner Kama Azural Mohamed said villagers were urged to use the alternative routes provided by the local authorities.
"Police are aware of the incident and the bridge has yet to be repaired.
"But l was informed that villagers are now using three alternative routes through Kampung Bukit Panau, Jalan Alor Pasir and Jalan Bukit Perah."