The octopus bridge in George Town, Penang, was last upgraded in 2018 by a private company that was given a 25-year contract to lease out advertisement space on the facility in return. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
THE iconic ‘octopus’ pedestrian bridge near Komtar in George Town, Penang, has been a crucial crossing point for over 30 years.
However, concerns have been expressed about the maintenance, safety and cleanliness of the overhead bridge.
Shop operator Patrick Lim said Penang Island City Council (MBPP) should take proactive action following frequent lift and escalator breakdowns.
“Maintenance is crucial. The bridge needs proper upkeep,” said Lim, who has been operating from a shop near the bridge for about 15 years.
The presence of homeless individuals has made some pedestrians feel unsafe using the bridge.
He added that many of his customers had also complained about the presence of the homeless in the vicinity, especially at night.
“It’ll be good if regular inspections are carried out to ensure the area is well maintained and safe for residents and visitors alike,” he said.
Another business owner, Tasleem Nesha Inayadullah, echoed Lim on the need for continuous monitoring of the bridge.
She said regular inspections were crucial to maintain its condition and ensure it remains safe for pedestrians.
“MBPP must take immediate action to address the issues so that the public can fully enjoy the amenities,” she said.
Computer shop worker Khoo Siew Fun noted that the bridge had significantly eased her customers’ commute.
“The bridge provides safe access for the public,” she said, adding that the city council should prioritise regular maintenance.
Food operator Nazirra Kharudin said the bridge provided safer access, particularly to those coming from Komtar and Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong.
“Imagine if there was no bridge, it would be a major inconvenience,” she said.
Nazirra noted that the bridge had helped to increase foot traffic to her establishment.
However, she believes that several improvements are needed to make the bridge more appealing.
Ongoing challenges
Built in 1993, the structure at the junction of Penang Road, Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong and Burmah Road had been dubbed the ‘octopus’ or ‘spider’ bridge by Penangites because it looked like it had legs or arms connecting to the said roads.
As far back as July 2004, after concerns arose regarding the safety of pedestrians due to snatch thefts on the bridge, the then Komtar assemblyman Datuk Lim Gim Soon had proposed that souvenir traders be allowed to set up stalls there as a safety measure, but it did not materialise.
In May 2010, then Komtar assemblyman Ng Wei Aik announced that the bridge was set to come alive with street performances and kiosks following feng shui advice that it needed to be “recharged with vigour and vitality”, but this plan was scrapped a month later as it was not viable.
In 2018, the bridge reopened after undergoing a RM6mil upgrading process including the relocation of utility cables, building of three escalators and four lifts plus installation of LED lights and security cameras. The bridge roofs were also upgraded.
A tactile pathway was installed for the disabled at staircases leading towards the escalators and lifts.
A total of 11 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras were installed to ensure the safety of pedestrians on the bridge.
The upgrading work was sponsored by Syarikat Ensignia Construction Sdn Bhd, with the firm getting a 25-year contract to lease out advertisement space on the bridge.
On March 21, 2018 StarMetro reported on a proposal to have eateries located along the bridge, but it came to naught.
During the Penang State Assembly in May this year, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng expressed his concerns about the lack of maintenance for the escalators and lifts at the bridge.
He noted that the situation had created significant inconvenience for the public, particularly individuals with special needs.
Teh raised the question of whether it would be more beneficial to demolish the bridge and replace it with a traffic light pedestrian crossing.
An escalator which has broken down, forcing pedestrians to use the stairs instead.
MBPP’s response
MBPP, in a statement to StarMetro, said it had no plans to demolish the bridge.
It said several measures had been implemented to ensure the bridge remained a vital crossing point for pedestrians navigating the busy intersection.
It said Ensignia Construction has a 25-year commitment to maintain the bridge’s escalators and lifts.
“The council has been monitoring the maintenance of the bridge.
“Despite frequent vandalism which often causes the escalators and lifts to malfunction, regular upkeep has been conducted with monthly maintenance reports submitted to MBPP.
“We assure that there will be continuous collaboration with Ensignia Construction to ensure the bridge’s facilities are regularly maintained, despite the challenges posed by vandalism,” it said.
To encourage pedestrian use, MBPP has also increased the frequency of cleaning inside and outside the lifts and escalators.
It said the 11 CCTV cameras installed at strategic points were to prevent vandalism and ensure public safety.
Additionally, there are also regular police and enforcement patrols in the area.
MBPP is considering adding more decorative elements, such as synthetic plants to beautify the bridge.
“The council is launching public awareness initiatives to combat vandalism and promote the use of the bridge.
“Posters, campaigns and educational videos will be displayed on newly installed TV screens on the bridge,” it added.
MBPP said a public survey would also be conducted to gather feedback on the bridge’s facilities.
For more foot traffic on the bridge, there are plans by MBPP to implement a request for proposal (RFP) for various business activities such as calligraphy exhibitions.
“This initiative aims to make the bridge not only a pedestrian crossing but also a cultural and commercial spot,” it said.
MBPP added that pedestrian bridges in George Town city area were well utilised by pedestrians as they were built on roads with high traffic volumes.
Water on the floor of the bridge points to a leaking roof.
Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng said Lift 1 (Komtar Walk), Lift 2 (opposite Komtar Walk) & Lift 3 (Burmah Road ) were working well, but the escalator ST3 (Loke Thye Kee) was damaged on Oct 4.
“It is now closed, repair works began on Oct 7 and are scheduled for completion by Nov 6,” he said.
Teh said the RFP for various business activities will be made after the public survey.
MBPP councillor Benji Ang Ming Quan said Ensignia Construction had received the rights to place advertisements on the bridge, including LED boards.
“While maintenance has been ongoing, they have been faced with the challenge of frequent breakdowns of the lifts and escalators.
“We found that culprits have vandalised the electronic circuit boards and control panels of the escalators and lifts.
“Stains, believed to be urine, have been found, including on lift buttons.
“Workers are cleaning the facilities on a daily basis but repairs will take time,” he said.
