The Tun Abdul Razak Road Bridge in Ipoh, which is currently undergoing replacement works, will be temporarily opened exclusively for Thaipusam procession vehicles following a special conditional approval by the Ipoh City Council (MBI).
Buntong assemblyman Thulsi Manogaran said the decision was made after discussion with the Perak state government and MBI, aimed at ensuring the smooth conduct of the annual Thaipusam celebration while maintaining public safety.
“MBI has agreed to provide conditional approval for the use of the bridge solely for Thaipusam procession vehicles, based on strict safety requirements,” she said in a statement today.
Limited Access Period and Tight Traffic Controls
According to Thulsi, the bridge will be accessible from 5PM to 28th January until midnight on 2nd February, and will operate under tightly regulated traffic control measures through the period.
She stressed that the bridge will not be opened to the general public, with usage strictly limited to vehicles directly involved in the Thaipusam procession. Among the conditions imposed are one-way traffic flow, a vehicle load limit of three tonnes or below, and a complete ban on public vehicles unrelated to the procession.
Trading Activities and Structures Prohibited
To ensure safety and prevent obstruction within the construction zone, no tents may be erected and no trading or stall activities will be permitted on the bridge or within the surrounding project area. Procession participants have also been reminded to maintain cleanliness throughout the approved period. Thulsi said the special approval was granted on humanitarian and religious grounds, but emphasised that safety consideration remain paramount.
“This approval is given based on trust and consideration for religious observance, but the safety of lives and the structural integrity of the bridge cannot be compromised,” she said.
Delay in Replacement Works Explained
Addressing public concerns over the delay in the bridge replacement project, Thulsi noted that the project, initially scheduled for completion on 6th January, has no been extended to 6th February.
She explained that the delay was unavoidable due to several factors, including postponement of construction works during the Deepavali festive period, adverse weather conditions caused by frequent heavy rainfall and logistical challenges following the enforcement of new speed and road limits since October.
Long-Standing Safety Concerns and Funding
The bridge replacement project was initiated following prolonged appeals from Thulsi’s office over the past two years, citing the deteriorated and unsafe condition of the old structure.
The project is funded by the Perak state government through a RM1.75 million allocation under the Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris), with MBI acting as the implementing agency. The Tun Abdul Razak Road Bridge remains one of the main routes used during Ipoh’s annual Thaipusam procession.
Sources: Malay Mail
