Keruak opens bridge in Merotai built by army engineers
Published on: Wednesday, July 12, 1967
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Bridge Jambatan Lima Jurutera was constructed by 5 Squadron Malaysian Engineers to replace the old one which was the only access to Kuala Merotai Settlement Scheme. The bridge took two months to build.
The Minister said he was pleased to see the amount of progress on the scheme. This augured well for the future of the, scheme, he added, and felt certain that they would be happier in their new life away from the border.
The Minister once again expressed appreciation to the 5 Malaysian Infantry Brigade whose construction of the new bridge had made access into the scheme easier.
Enche Keruak called upon the settlers to continue to work together so that they would be able together to enjoy the fruits of their labour. He said their success was a victory not only for themselves but also for Malaysia.
The Minister told the gathering that the Resident and the Brigade would be ready to help them if they had any serious problem they could not solve themselves. But for ultimate success, co-operation among themselves was of utmost importance.
Enche Mohd. Said bin Keruak flew into Tawau this morning for official opening. He was met on arrival at the airport by the Resident Tawau, Enche Ben Stephens, the District Officer, Tunku Zubir bin Tunku Nasir, Hon. Kassim Kamiddin, District Chief Tuan Haji Zainal bin Kerahu and Native Chief Titingan.
Shortly after arrival, the Minister visited the new site for religious school prepared by 5 Squadron Engineers whose work in the area cost approximately $40,000.
The Minister was met at the site by the Director of Operations, East Malaysia, Dato Ibrahim bin Ismail, Brigade Commander, Brigadier Alsagoff and Commanding Officer of 5 Malaysian Engineers, Major Mohinder Jit Singh.
The Minister, after refreshments at the Residency flew by RMAF chopper for Merotai for opening. At the bridge the Minister inspected a Guard of Honour formed by members of the Engineers who worked on the Bridge. Speaking at the opening of the new bridge Enche Mohd. Said bin keruak said.
“The Chief Minister has asked me to express to you his sincere regrets that due to other commitments he is unable to be here this morning. Because of this he has asked me to represent him and to give you this message.
“I would like, find of all, to thank the Brigadier for his kind invitation. It is both a pleasure and a privilege for me to be asked to open yet an-other example of civilian and military co-operation. There was an urgent need for a new bridge to replace the old one. No sooner had the need become apparent than the 5th Squadron, not-with-standing their many commitments, took on the task of constructing this bridge and succeeded in completing it in record time.
“This is the third major bridge completed within the Tawau Residency by the 5th Malaysian Engineering Squadron. As result, of your civic-mindedness, communications on which virtually all development in this Residency depends have been improved tremendously. I am pleased to know that, apart from their engineering feats, the officer’s and members of the Squadron have won the affection of all the communities with whom they have lived and worked. This much needed bridge will therefore be a lasting reminder of their effects to the Ibans and Tidongs on the Resettlement Scheme across the river.
“On behalf of the Chief Minister, if gives me great pleasure to declare open “Jambatan 5 Jutra.”
During the opening ceremony, the Minister was presented with a 5 Engineers Plaque by Major Mohinder Singh. This gesture was reciprocated by the Minister who presented a plaque bearing the Sabah Crest to the Brigade Commander.
The Commander of 5 MIB before calling on the Minister to open the bridge thanked the Minister for taking the trouble of coming all the way to Tawau to officiate at the opening of Jambatan Lima Jurutera. He said he was glad that the Armed Forces had been able to help people in the area by building a permanent bridge on the only road to the scheme. He said the Brigade would be willing to help whenever and wherever possible.
Also present at the opening was the Director of Operations, Major General Dato Ibrahim who had a special interest in this Bridge for it was from him that the “go ahead” sign came after a request had been made by the Scheme Manager to the Resident Tawau.
After cutting the ribbon they Minister walked along the new bridge along which were lined men involved in actual construction of the bridge.
The opening was follow by a tour of the Merotai Resettlement scheme where the Minister stopped for a while and received briefing on prevailing conditions on the scheme by the Scheme Manager, Enche Paul Yap, at his office where there were gathered, a large number of settlers to whom the Minister later spoke.
After touring the Scheme the Minister, accompanied by the Director of Operations, the Brigade Commander, Resident and others adjourned to the Scheme Manager’s old house was a delicious lunch was served.
Later the Minister, accompanied by the Resident returned to Tawau while the Director of Operations, accompanied by Commander 5 MIB made an inspection tour by road to Kalabakan now under construction by 5 Malaysian Engineers. The Director of Operations and Commander returned to Tawau by sea.
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