Urgent road repairs prioritised due to limited funds

KUALA LUMPUR: The Works Ministry is prioritising urgent road repairs due to financial constraints, said Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
He said about RM4 billion is needed to maintain all federal roads, including the East-West Highway Gerik-Jeli stretch.
"We have data identifying which roads require attention and the associated costs. To get every road in perfect condition, we would need around RM4 billion. However, due to limited funds, we are taking a phased approach. We prioritise roads that need immediate repair and carry out repairs based on urgency," he said.
He was speaking to reporters after the Gawai Open House hosted by the ministry, which was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
In July last year, it was reported that the ministry needs approximately RM4 billion annually to maintain all federal roads in the country but has only been allocated around RM1 billion for many years.
Nanta said RM55 million has been allocated for ongoing maintenance works on the East-West Highway, including resurfacing, street light repairs, and upgrades to non-pavement facilities such as guardrails and signage, which are now 10 per cent complete and expected to finish by August.
On June 9, 15 were killed when a chartered bus carrying Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students collided with a Perodua Alza along Jalan Jeli-Grik near Tasik Banding, Perak.

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