THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) will be installing an anti-climb fence around the entrances of the iconic pedestrian bridge structure near the Penang ferry terminal to prevent trespassers from entering the structure.
The overhead pedestrian bridge was badly damaged by a crane that was transported by a trailer on Feb 5, 2020. Part of the bridge was removed to ensure public safety, leaving the stairs and pole structures on both sides of the road.
MBPP councillor Wong Yuee Harng said the remaining structures of the iconic pedestrian bridge are evidence of the Feb 5, 2020, incident which is currently pending a court case decision.
“The council has decided to maintain the stairs and pole structures of the pedestrian bridge until the court case is concluded.
“Meanwhile, we will secure the entrances with an anti-climb fence to prevent trespassers.
“We have temporarily secured the areas with barricades,” he said.
Wong added that trespassers could be penalised, jailed, or both, under the existing laws and bylaws.
“The local government is committed to ensuring public health and safety are maintained,” he said.
Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi lauded the MBPP’s prompt action in addressing the matter.
“The matter was reported in the media just recently, and I have also received public complaints regarding the issue.
“It is understood that areas are frequented by the vagrants,” he said.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud