Kuala Lumpur: The cost of road repairs due to floods following the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) has reached RM101.57 million, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. He stated that the expenses involved road repair costs in Peninsular Malaysia totaling RM45.37 million, covering periodic repairs of pavement, periodic non-pavement, bridges, traffic lights, and street lights.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan, the road repairs due to floods involved a cost of RM56.2 million, which covered periodic repairs of pavement and periodic non-pavement. Additionally, Nanta highlighted that the cost of repairing slope collapses in nine locations, including two each in Kelantan and Terengganu and five in Perak, amounted to approximately RM41 million.

"There may be some that have not been reported, we are always receiving reports. We have also mobilised the Public Works Department (JKR) Malaysia Disaster Operations Room or BiGBen," he told reporters after attending the Monthly Assembly of the Ministry of Works (KKR).

Meanwhile, Nanta proposed implementing a merit system to measure the performance level of concession companies and contractors in task execution, thereby increasing their accountability. He mentioned that further research on the system would be discussed comprehensively at the KKR management level with the concessionaires and contractors to reach a consensus for its implementation.

"This is not the first time it has been discussed, so for me, it would be good if we use the merit system because we have to benchmark. So, if we use the merit system, it might encourage them to be more diligent in carrying out their responsibilities. Let us do the research first, now we will study how when we use the system it would be fairer," he added.

Earlier, Nanta, while delivering his message at the assembly, stated that apart from the merit system, the management of each project would be monitored transparently from the planning phase to the maintenance phase. "We can also utilise the big data system to analyse project performance and identify potential improvements before problems arise. With more systematic management, we are confident that every project implemented will have maximum impact on the community and the country," he said.