Kuala lumpur: The Works Ministry has allocated RM2.4 billion this year for federal road maintenance in Peninsular Malaysia, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure safe and high-quality road infrastructure for the public. Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi announced that RM1.3 billion had been utilised as of September for various maintenance works including road pavements, traffic lights, and bridge upkeep.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the allocation includes RM37 million dedicated to road safety infrastructure upgrades, covering 109 projects. These projects are categorized under blackspot initiatives and pedestrian crossing traffic lights (LPKSI), aiming to improve road safety in high-risk areas. So far, 77 Certificates of Practical Completion (CPC) have been issued, while maintenance works worth RM1.1 billion have been implemented across the peninsula.
Nanta emphasized that these efforts are not only focused on enhancing safety and comfort for road users but are also expected to stimulate local economic activity. The projects involve over 1,700 contractors and hundreds of workers indirectly. He highlighted the government's dedication to the continuous improvement of road infrastructure across Peninsular Malaysia.
The blackspot initiative, as explained by Nanta, aims to reduce accident rates at high-risk locations with an effectiveness rate of up to 80 percent. Meanwhile, the LPKSI projects are designed to make roads more accessible for pedestrians, particularly near schools and healthcare facilities with high foot traffic.
In addition to maintenance, the Public Works Department (JKR) and the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) are focusing on new high-impact development projects. RM2.6 billion is allocated for projects in Negeri Sembilan. Nanta urged state and local authorities to utilize the MYJalan portal, which has received over 40,000 complaints related to road and drainage issues, to enhance public safety and convenience.
The ministry remains committed to ensuring that all road development and maintenance initiatives are implemented effectively, aligned with the MADANI Government's goals to maintain a quality, sustainable, safe, and comfortable road network for all.