Nanta: The Works Ministry (KKR) will include the involvement of independent auditors as a new component in highway maintenance contracts starting next year. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi stated that the inclusion of third-party auditing is crucial to ensure that monitoring extends beyond the Public Works Department (JKR), incorporating external parties to boost accountability, integrity, and transparency.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nanta highlighted that most maintenance contracts are set to expire in February 2026. He emphasized the necessity of external auditors to avoid sole reliance on JKR officers for overseeing the proper execution of maintenance work by concession companies. Nanta's statements followed his appearance as a guest on a Bernama Radio programme.
Nanta underscored the public's entitlement to safe and quality road maintenance services and assured that the ministry is dedicated to a more transparent and effective transition to a new system that safeguards the interests and safety of road users. He also mentioned that every highway concessionaire responsible for road maintenance is required to comply with contracts and execute their duties efficiently and responsibly.
During the programme, Nanta noted that despite public complaints, including viral images and videos, some parties still fail to meet their responsibilities. He, along with senior KKR and JKR officers, personally investigated and assessed field performance. The government is considering re-evaluating the necessity of legal action or penalties against road maintenance contractors or concessionaires if negligence is proven to have caused fatal accidents, especially those resulting from failure to perform required maintenance work as stipulated in the contract.
Nanta further elaborated that existing maintenance contracts include clauses for payment deductions if contractors fail to deliver, particularly regarding road safety. Additionally, contracts permit termination if contractors fail, are negligent, violate, or do not fulfill their responsibilities in carrying out routine maintenance as required.
Regarding the MYJalan mobile application, Nanta reported that between August 2023 and June 30, 2025, it recorded 39,371 complaints. Of these, 11,959, or 30.4 percent, were screened and identified for investigation and action by relevant agencies for roads under KKR's jurisdiction, while the remaining 27,412, or 69.6 percent, were categorized as No Wrong Door (NWD) complaints.