KOTA KINABALU: July 21, 2026 – The reconstruction of the Sungai Molout Bridge in Kampung Bayag, Ranau, requires RM19 million – significantly higher than the initial allocation of RM4.94 million previously approved.
Assistant Minister of Rural Development, Datuk Samad Jambri, said the Sabah Public Works Department (JKR) has found the existing allocation insufficient to rebuild the bridge, which connects the villages of Bayag, Togoyog, Kitaie and surrounding areas.
He was responding to a question from Datuk Haji Rusdin @ Musidi Riman (Paginatan) during today’s sitting of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly.
According to him, the bridge suffered serious damage to its barrier structures due to erosion following heavy rainfall on 7 September 2025.
“The Sabah Public Works Department found that the approved cost does not cover the requirements for reconstructing a 60-metre bridge with a two-way carriageway and riverbank protection structures, which would total RM19 million,” Samad said.
He added that the Sabah JKR is currently preparing a justification to obtain a new cost ceiling approval from the Sabah Ministry of Finance before the reconstruction project can proceed.
The new bridge will span 60 metres with a two-way carriageway and will be equipped with riverbank protection structures to ensure user safety and mitigate the risk of future erosion-related damage.
