KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 — Flyovers, including those built on the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2), are designed to last between 100 and 110 years, said Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor.

He said based on the ultimate design, the flyover on the MRR2 that connects Kepong and Selayang to Kuala Lumpur was safe.

"I might not be around to see it last but based on the ultimate design, the main structure can last for such a period.

"However, there are things beyond anybody's control like a natural disaster. In Mississippi, the US for example, a very strong bridge collapsed. But as far as the MRR2 in our country, there were only cracks," said Shaziman when answering a question by Dr Tan Seng Giaw (DAP-Kepong) in the Dewan Rakyat today.

The Kepong MP wanted the Works Ministry to give an assurance that the MRR2 would last 100 years as stated by former Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu.

Shaziman said the government could take action against contractors of the project and it was up to the contractor to take similar action against the consultant.

"The MRR2 was a 'design and build' project and the government can only take action against the contractor. It is up to the contractor to brief those involved and decide whatever action to take," he said.

He added that “repair” work on the MRR2 was carried out and completed by Syarikat Bridgex Sdn Bhd on Nov 9, 2006 but on Aug 3, 2008 there was a defect on the “Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP)” fitted on Pier 28.

Subsequently the government carried out and completed work to fix the tie frame and cross beam on Sept 6, 2008.

"So, the safety level of Pier 28 has been reinstated and the MRR2 is safe to be used," said Shaziman. — Bernama