KOTA KINABALU: Villagers and community leaders got together to repair a dilapidated suspension bridge in Sandakan after pictures of students using it on Monday (Jan 9) went viral.

       Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin had ordered for the immediate repair of the bride, from Kg Nelayan Tengah - Kg Sibugal Besar, via the Sandakan Municipal Council.

       “I have instructed the council to take immediate action. The government is very concerned about this kind of matter, especially as it involves the safety of pupils and school students," he said.

       Pictures of students using the dilapidated suspension bridge raised concerns over the safety of the children.

       “The infrastructure facilities are under the responsibility of the local authority (PBT). Therefore, I instructed the council to act immediately to repair the facility before anything untoward happens to the school children in the village,” he added.

       The suspension bridge is used by primary pupils to get to SK Sibugal Besar.

       Sungai Manila community development leader Abdullah Isgau and villagers held a gotong royong today to repair the bridge.

       Sandakan Municipal Council engineers are expected to carry out a check to ensure the repaired bridge is safe to use.

       Two years ago, three students were injured when a suspension bridge collapsed in Ranau.