Kuala lumpur:<Text>

Road maintenance concessionaires are now required to appoint external auditors under newly revised concession terms. This measure is intended to enhance work quality and boost financial transparency, as announced by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. He noted that previous concession agreements lacked an independent monitoring mechanism, relying only on oversight by the Public Works Department (JKR) and the concessionaires themselves.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nanta emphasized that the new requirement marks a significant improvement, as it reduces reliance on internal reports and aims to ensure road quality meets required standards. A one-year interim period has been established to facilitate the selection and appointment of external auditors. The government is prioritizing the rapid implementation of this measure.

Nanta was speaking at a press conference following the groundbreaking ceremony and handover of the comp leted Sungai Pontian Kecil Bridge project, valued at RM23.12 million. The event was attended by Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan and Public Works director-general Datuk Seri Roslan Ismail.

Additionally, Nanta provided updates on the Pontian Besar Bridge Upgrading and Widening Project (FT005), which commenced on January 13 and is expected to be completed by January 2029. The project, with a budget of RM38.04 million, aims to expand the bridge from two lanes to four and upgrade the intersection to enhance traffic flow, safety, and user comfort.

The event also saw the official handover of the FT005/053/50 Sungai Pontian Kecil Bridge Replacement Project. This RM23.13 million project is part of the Narrow and Ageing Axle Load Bridge Replacement Programme in Johor, under Rolling Plan 4 of the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP). Implemented in-house by JKR, the project began on January 31, 2022, and was completed on January 25, 2026.