A Risky Crossing: Rebuilding the Pinapakan Suspension Bridge for Kampung Sayap

Imagine having to cross a shaky, worn-out bridge every day just to get to school, work, or even buy food. That’s the daily reality for nearly 2,000 villagers in Kampung Sayap, Kota Belud.

For decades, families here have struggled with food insecurity, limited economic opportunities, and a lack of clean water. But one of their biggest risks? A collapsing bridge that’s their only lifeline to schools, farms, homes, and churches.

This Pinapakan hanging bridge, built in the 1990s, with wooden planks and wire mesh, has deteriorated upon repair. After over 30 years, it’s now a dangerous pathway of broken wooden planks, rusted wires, and large gaps.

Close up of worn out wooden planks and wire mesh

Rural villagers, especially young children uses this bridge to get to school and go back home daily

A fast-flowing river beneath the bridge makes daily crossings dangerously risky for villagers.

closer shot of the bridge condition with broken wooden planks and rusty wire mesh

Its super risky, especially for children, who could step on exposed nails or fall through the gaps

With exposed nails and gaps, the bridge is a constant hazard for the community

Every crossing is a gamble between safety and disaster for the schoolchildren, farmers, and families in Kampung Sayap.

"My children use this bridge every day. It’s terrifying. They fear falling into the river below,” says Puan Dewi, a mother of two.

Puan Dewi crossing the bridge with her two young children, carefully making their way across.

Like many parents here, she worries every morning whether her kids will make it to school and back safely.

This community urgently needs support. 

A Sustainable Solution: Rebuilding Pinapakan Bridge with Strength & Innovation

At Hopes Malaysia, we’re stepping in to rebuild the bridge sustainably. Instead of using wood that will eventually rot, we’re:

✅ Replacing wooden planks with reused tires for longer-lasting durability

✅ Reinforcing the structure with stronger materials to ensure safety

✅ Involving villagers in reconstruction, so they gain hands-on skills and take ownership of maintaining their own infrastructure

Here’s an example of the completed suspension bridge repair, using recycled tires and durable materials ⬇️

Full view of the completed bridge, safe and sturdy for the community

Recycled tires prevent slipping, ensuring a safer, durable, and eco-friendly bridge.

Recycled tires improve safety and durability, ensuring a sustainable bridge for rural communities.

By working together, we’re not just fixing a bridge—we’re building long-term resilience for the entire community.

🚨 Your Support Can Make This Happen! 🚨

Click the button below to donate now or partner with us through CSR to be part of this impactful initiative. Every contribution helps ensure that these families—especially their children—can cross safely into a better future. Because safe access isn’t a luxury, but a necessity.

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