By Aida Aziz
KUALA KANGSAR: At 125 years old, the Victoria Bridge, one of the oldest railway bridges in the country, has been seen as dim and dark at night.
This is because many of the lights that were previously installed for safety and convenience of local residents crossing the bridge are no longer functioning.
Additionally, Nor Hisham Zulkiflee, Secretary of the Perak Heritage Association, said that conservation and repair work on the iron bridge is also important to ensure it is not exposed to unpredictable weather, which could cause rust and damage.
The iconic bridge for the people of Perak, located in Karai here, is closely tied to the history and heritage of the region, and recognized globally.
It was built in 1897 and completed in 1900 to connect the route between Ipoh and Taiping via Kuala Kangsar and also served as a north-to-south route across the Malay Peninsula.
“We cannot deny the efforts made by local authorities (PBT), the Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council (MPKK), and the Kuala Kangsar Irrigation and Drainage Department.
“They have carried out landscaping work there, including parking, plazas, and the installation of safety nets.
“In 2021, MPKK installed lights to illuminate the area at night, which became a benchmark for local authorities in Malaysia to develop attractions at locations with railway bridges,” he said.
However, he claimed that unfortunately, the maintenance of the bridge has not been properly managed.
He further emphasized that the state government must also assist in preserving the country’s heritage and history, especially in preparation for Visit Malaysia Year (TMM) 2026.
Moreover, the uniqueness of the bridge contributes significantly to the state’s economy, as many tourists come to Perak to visit the site.
“It can be said that most of the lights along the bridge are no longer functioning, and I have noticed that this issue has been ongoing for quite some time.
“There should be regular conservation work done, not just improvements in landscaping and safety.
“But the bridge itself is not well-maintained. It is over 100 years old and needs to be well cared for. If it becomes severely damaged, more costs will be required, and it would be even worse if it becomes irreparable,” he added.
As a result, he urged the authorities to take immediate action to address this issue.
“According to a study by a local university, Victoria Bridge is ranked first as the main attraction in Kuala Kangsar.
“From there, we can see the importance of this bridge to Perak in particular,” he said.
