300 Pct Increase In Federal Road Allocations For Sabah, Sarawak - Nanta

KUCHING, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- A 300 per cent increase in allocations for the maintenance of federal roads in Sabah and Sarawak this year clearly reflects the MADANI Government’s commitment to ensuring that basic infrastructure needs in both states receive due attention, while also strengthening the involvement of local Bumiputera small-scale contractors.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said that in 2024 and 2025, Sabah and Sarawak each received only RM50 million for the purpose, but the amount has increased significantly to RM200 million for each state this year - an increase of 300 per cent.

“This means that the MADANI government is attentive to the needs of Sarawak and Sabah. As such, far greater allocations have been provided for this purpose compared with 2024 and 2025,” he said.

He said this at a press conference held in conjunction with the ballot draw for the 2026 Sarawak federal road periodic maintenance works here, today.

Commenting on work implementation in Sarawak, Nanta said that the RM200 million allocation involves 141 federal road maintenance projects carried out by concession company DAL HCM Sdn Bhd, covering pavement periodic and non-pavement periodic maintenance works.

He said it also serves as an important platform to empower Bumiputera small-scale contractors in Grades G1 to G4 through a transparent balloting process based on actual on-the-ground needs, while opening up more opportunities for local contractors to be directly involved in the development of the country’s infrastructure.

The minister stressed that all appointed contractors must carry out their work responsibly and maintain quality standards, as failure to do so would have a direct impact on road user safety.

“If our roads are not properly maintained, road users will be affected. If accidents or loss of life occur, we would bear the responsibility. That is why I appeal to all contractors to carry out their work to the best of their ability,” he said.

He said the government has clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) and will not hesitate to take action, including blacklisting contractors who fail to carry out work properly and according to schedule.

-- BERNAMA