TUARAN: August 7, 2026 – Former federal deputy minister and former Tuaran MP Datuk Kalakau Untol @ Harry has urged the government to reconsider its controversial proposal to demolish the Sungai Damit Bridge, suggesting instead that it be transformed into a tourism, arts and cultural landmark.
He put forward the STAR Concept — an acronym for Salvage, Transform, Attract and Revitalize — as an alternative to the demolition plan, which would see the bridge replaced with a new RM30 million structure after it was declared unsafe for vehicle use.
“Millions of ringgit in public funds have already been spent to build this structure. Rather than spending more taxpayer money to tear it down, we should explore its potential to be turned into a public asset that directly benefits the people of Tuaran,” he said.
Under his proposal, a new bridge would be constructed for vehicular traffic, while the existing bridge would be retained for pedestrian use and community activities, subject to independent engineers confirming that the structure is safe for such purposes.
Kalakau said the STAR Concept aims to preserve the bridge, transform it into an arts, culture and recreation site, attract more visitors, and revitalise the local economy through tourism and community-driven activities.
He said the idea was inspired by local youth and the success of several international projects that have converted ageing infrastructure into renowned tourist destinations, including The High Line in New York, the Neurüdnitz–Siekierki European Bridge on the German-Polish border, and the Fiesta Bridge in Trenčín, Slovakia.
“These projects prove that infrastructure no longer in active use can be transformed into iconic public spaces. Tuaran has the opportunity to turn this engineering challenge into a symbol of innovation and community pride,” he said.
Kalakau stressed that public safety must remain the top priority, with any effort to retain the bridge subject to structural assessments by independent experts and the implementation of all necessary remedial works.
He also called on the Federal Government, the Sabah State Government, engineers, planners and tourism industry players to conduct a joint feasibility study before any final decision is made on the bridge’s future.
