Two High-Impact Road Projects Worth RM236.64 Million Underway In Johor - Ahmad

JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- Two high-impact road upgrade projects worth RM236.64 million currently underway in Johor are expected to significantly ease daily travel for road users while improving connectivity in the areas involved.

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said the projects are the RM174.53 million upgrading of the Pasir Gudang Expressway and the RM62.11 million construction of Jalan Kampung Gembut to Kampung Teluk Baharu in Sedili Besar, Kota Tinggi.

He said the Pasir Gudang Expressway upgrading works began on Dec 3 and are scheduled for completion on Dec 2, 2028, covering a seven-kilometre stretch from the Perling elevated interchange to the North-South Expressway slip road in Pasir Gudang.

“This upgrade involves expanding the expressway from four lanes to six lanes, covering key industrial corridors, and is expected to ease traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours,” he said.

“Meanwhile, the new road project in Kota Tinggi involves the construction of a 3.1-kilometre stretch and a 320-metre bridge across Sungai Sedili Besar, providing a safer and more efficient alternative route for local residents,” he said today.

He said this at a press conference after the handover ceremony of two letters of acceptance (SST) to contractors for high-impact infrastructure projects in Johor involving the Works Ministry and the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW).

Ahmad explained that construction of the new road in Kota Tinggi will begin on Dec 17 and is scheduled for completion on Dec 16, 2028. Once completed, it is expected to shorten travel time for local residents from 45 minutes to just 15 minutes, in addition to reducing risks associated with the current narrow plantation road.

“Regarding SSTs nationwide, as of Dec 1, a total of 54 projects worth RM2.96 billion have been approved, comprising 17 projects under the Works Ministry and another 36 under KKDW,” he said.

Meanwhile, commenting on sick projects across the country, he said the Works Ministry has identified project management and financial management issues as the primary causes, accounting for 75 per cent of such cases compared with other isolated factors.

“Although only five per cent of projects have been classified as sick, the ministry views the matter seriously and will take firm action against contractors who fail to comply with schedules and standard work requirements. Warning letters will be issued,” he said.

-- BERNAMA