Do you remember the suspension bridge at Satok?
Long before the construction of the modern bridge that enabled vehicles to cross between Satok and Matang, there used to be a ferry that would bring cars across from one bank to the other, and there was also this suspension bridge.
The suspension bridge took three years to construct and was officially opened in 1926. It was 700 feet long and 7 feet wide. The architect was an A S Lowe.
I remember when I was a small boy, my grandma used to tell stories about the construction of the bridge, and how it was believed by some that human skulls placed under the foundations would strengthen the structure. As a result, during the early 1920s people actually avoided going out alone at nights in order not to be the victims of the penyamun (Iban word for "enemy", but in this context, it referred to the squad that was believed to be collecting the foundational heads).
Even after it was completed, the bridge was rather limited in function. Interestingly a primary reason why it was built in the first place was to carry two 12 inch pipes across the river, in order to supply fresh water from the Matang hills to Kuching town. Traffic-wise the bridge could only handle pedestrians and small vehicles up to 3000 pounds. I was told by elders that it could take the load of very small buses (those limited to 6 passengers), but during the actual crossing, the passengers had to alight and walk a short distance behind the bus, so as not to exceed the threshold weight.
Anyway the heads must have been effective, as the suspension bridge lasted a pretty long time - almost eighty years. One day after a storm on 7th October 2004, it collapsed. Fortunately no one was hurt. Not too surprising really, because since the new bridge was opened, few people actually used the suspension bridge.
Here's a nice picture that shows the old and new bridges side by side.
Happy reminiscing ...
xx
Posts
it crashed into the river very early one fine morning.
ReplyDeletethere were talks to reconstruct it, but i would say what for?
very small buses crossing it? not heard of this. it would mean that those small small cars like austin minis could also have driven across it.
I believe that at any one time, only vehicle could be on the bridge. And of course there was a weight limit for the vehicles permitted.
ReplyDeleteMini buses or any motor driven vehicle apart from motor bikes crossing the old suspension bridge - NEVER!!!!!. LOL. Quote from john McEnro: You cannot be serious!!!!
ReplyDeleteI remembered too about the stories of skulls under the bridge and I am quite sure that was a true story. As a boy, I used to walk or cycle across the bridge many times and normal vehicles had to use the ferry. There were the Matang Bus transport company buses waiting to pick up their fares. Good memories again WJ. People used to cast their fishing lines on the bridge (and still doing it but on the new bridge, I think).
btw, i remember 'patoh' there as well. quite romantic actually ... lol
ReplyDeleteFor the life of me, I cannot seem to remember whether there was a 3rd route to go to Matang. I don't ever remember crossing that bridge or using the ferry during my forays towards Matang in the 70's. Please, someone, help this old man refresh his memory. Thanks.
ReplyDeletewhen was the modern bridge built, anyone ? maybe Alex is so youthful that he had the new bridge available to him all his life ?
ReplyDeleteLeonard's right. The suspension bridge was a great place to bring a date. Beside the great sunset view, the swaying movement of the bridge would often make your girlfriend hold tightly onto you in order to steady herself. Of course, you need to be sure you don't get motion sickness yourself first.LOL.
ReplyDeleteThe newer Tunku Abdul Rahman bridge was opened in the early 80s.
ReplyDeleteOther options to cross over to Matang in the past:
ReplyDelete1. Helicopter
2. Speed boat
3. Sampang
4. Asleep whilst being "shiped" over?
LOL
John, there's more ... swimming, hang gliding, scuba diving .. haha
ReplyDeletelove the picture of the 2 bridges together. such a pretty sight.
ReplyDeleteYes, the faded memories are coming back. I remember walking on the bridge. There were cracks between the pces of wood that formed the plaform we walked on. You could look down and see the water in between the wood.
ReplyDeleteThe new bridge, Jambatan Datuk Patinggi Hj Abdul Rahman Ya'kub was completed and declared open on 23 May 1975 by His Excellency the Governor of S'wak, Tun Datuk Patanggi Tuanku Hj Bujang.
ReplyDeleteWith the completion of the bridge, the ferry service started in 1964 ceased operation as from 3pm on 23 May 1975.
This was also a favorite suicide bridge in its time.
ReplyDeleteHa? I didn't even know the Satok suspension bridge collapesd????
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to note that the bridge collapsed in 2004.It is a historical icon which should have been maintained and preserved by the State PWD.I have used the bridge to cross the river back in 1981 .
ReplyDeleteState government not going to 'hang' up the bridge anymore, thats wat I heard n read, does not serve any purpose. My late dad used to drive across in his Morris Minor in the 60s, only 1 car can cross at any 1 time, no traffic lights to control but 1 man at each end controlling with handheld flags, yunno, red n green flags? Since then the bridge was under the care of JKR.
ReplyDeleteHi there,
ReplyDeleteI am using ur facts and pictures to explain about my picture in my Flickr picture, and i provide a link to ur block.
In case u dun want me to use it, kindly e-mail me at @ rafaieamin@gmail.com and i will delete the info and picture.
the link to the Flick picture
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rafaieamin/4132383664/
Thank u in advance
Have a nice day.
Dr RBAONG, as long as you mention this blog as your source, and ideally link to us, there's no problem. Have a good day!
ReplyDeletehi, Website Jaga, interesting blog. Can you please contact me at clhiok@hotmail.com. Would like to talk to the owner of this blog personally. Thank you.
ReplyDelete