Former Chief Minister of Sabah, Tan Sri Harris Salleh criticized the Federal
Government for planning to build a bridge linking Semporna and Pulau Bum Bum.The
estimated costs will amount to RM340 millions.He said it would be a waste of
money .I tend to agree with him on this.
This is the most puzzling decision in recent years.What is there on the Pulau
Bum Bum? Except for some Sea Bajau fishermen and some accommodations for scuba
divers to spend the night before being ferried to Sipadan Island, there is no
other economy activities there.
Whereas in the case of Johor Causeway and the Penang Bridge their existence are
justified by the active economy activities on both sides and hence the resultant
heavy traffic using the bridge/causeway.But there are only the small population
about 2000 on the island, do they need the bridge? If the traffic is so heavy
the island may not be big enough to hold all the light and heavy vehicles!
The reason given by the government is to promote tourism.How many tourists will
be attracted by this bridge every year? How many years will it take to recoup
back the investment, not to mention the maintenance costs of the bridge.
Moreover, maybe the tourists prefer a boat ride instead of a bus ride, because
it will add excitement to their journey. Think about it.
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