TEMPORARY REOPENING OF TUN ABDUL RAZAK BRIDGE FOR THAIPUSAM PROCESSION – IPOH MAYOR

IPOH, Jan 20 (Bernama) -- The Ipoh City Council (MBI) has allowed the road on the Tun Abdul Razak Bridge, which is currently undergoing repairs, to be used for the Thaipusam celebrations from Jan 28 to Feb 2.

Ipoh mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah, in a statement, announced that permission to use the route on the bridge would only be granted for the celebration, subject to certain conditions.

MBI is aware of the needs of users of the bridge route for the Thaipusam festival, which involves kavadi processions and individuals for the completion of the ceremony," he said.

Meanwhile, Zamakhshari said the completion date for repairing the bridge has been extended from the original date of Jan 6 to Feb 6, 2026.

“The extension of the period was made after considering the need for initial project coordination to allow for the Thaipusam festival celebrations, given that the project's scope of work involves the opening and demolition of the original bridge structure, which directly impacts traffic movement and local community activities.

“Additionally, the heavy and unpredictable rainy weather in November and December last year was also a contributing factor to the frequent delays in site work.

“This is because the Ipoh City Council prioritises safety factors, quality of work, and compliance with technical specifications,” he said.

He also said that MBI assures that this extension is a necessary and responsible step to ensure the safety of road users, the quality of bridge construction, and the long-term interests of Ipoh city development.

All efforts are being made and will continue to be made to minimise disruption to the public throughout the duration of the work, he added.

-- BERNAMA