Kuala lumpur: The government has assured that people-centric projects will proceed despite rising costs driven by the global energy crisis following the conflict in West Asia. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi stated that project implementation would be adjusted in a realistic and responsive manner based on on-site conditions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, measures under consideration by the Ministry of Works include scaling down project scope, particularly for G1 to G4 contractors involved in federal road maintenance and repair. Nanta highlighted that for a RM1 million road project covering only one kilometre, the distance could be shortened if it has yet to begin, to reflect current cost constraints. He shared these insights with reporters after attending the ministry's monthly assembly.
In his speech, Nanta mentioned that the ministry would coordinate an immediate action plan with the Public Works Department, the Construction Industry Development Board, and other agencies to monitor the impact of rising fuel prices on construction costs, including fuel, bitumen, steel, cement, and logistics. The collected data would be actively used to expedite decisions, including adjustments to project scope, extensions of time, and rescheduling of projects affected by supply chain disruptions.
Simultaneously, the ministry aims to expand opportunities for local contractors, particularly small and medium-sized firms, in maintenance, repair, and appropriately scaled projects to ensure a steady pipeline of work amid rising operating costs. Nanta emphasized the need to accelerate the adoption of technologies such as the Industrialised Building System (IBS), Building Information Modelling (BIM), and digital monitoring to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and lessen reliance on logistics costs, aligning with the ministry's transformation agenda.
Regarding the rollout of open toll payment using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), Nanta reported that nine toll plazas involving 78 lanes are now operational. Since January, approximately 28,000 users have registered on the JustGo platform, with over 400,000 transactions recorded. Operations have been smooth with no technical issues, and the ministry plans to expand the system with full Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) implementation targeted by 2027.