IPOH, June 11 — Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the state government will repair the dilapidated wooden bridge in Kampung Orang Asli Lubuk Gaharu, where missing female hiker Jaslinda Saludin was found.

Saarani said the state government had received applications from the relevant parties, including the Orang Asli community, to repair the bridge.

“We discussed the matter during the state executive council (Exco) meeting yesterday because it involves a suspension bridge that serves as an important link for the Orang Asli community.

“The application was also submitted by former Cenderiang assemblyman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon,” he said when met by reporters after attending the state-level Falak Month launch programme at Hotel Impiana here.

Saarani said the Public Works Department (PWD) and the State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) would first assess the justification for repairing the bridge.

“First, they need to determine how many people use the bridge and compare that with the cost involved. They will also consider whether it is used by heavy vehicles, cars or motorcycles.

“If there are no vehicles or motorcycles using it, it may not be practical to construct a sophisticated bridge. A suspension walkway could be sufficient, or we may only need to repair the existing structure,” he said.

He added that the Exco meeting had therefore decided to request a thorough inspection and evaluation of the bridge.

“That is why, during yesterday’s Exco meeting, we agreed to have the bridge inspected and assessed before making a decision,” he said.

On June 9, it was reported that Dr Mah, who is also the MCA deputy president, had donated RM2,000 towards repairing the 50-metre-long bridge, which connects villagers to their plantations, rubber-tapping areas and burial grounds.

Jaslinda, 49, was found safe by villagers in Kampung Lubuk Gaharu on June 6 after being missing for 14 days. She had disappeared on May 24 while hiking Gunung Batu Putih, which stands at approximately 2,132 metres above sea level.

She was discovered in a weakened condition by two villagers who were fishing at Sungai Wo at about 5.10pm. The pair found her while she was attempting to cross the river using the old and deteriorating wooden bridge.