Johor bahru: Two high-impact road upgrade projects valued at RM236.64 million are currently in progress in Johor, aimed at easing daily travel and enhancing connectivity for road users in the area.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan announced that the projects include the RM174.53 million upgrading of the Pasir Gudang Expressway and the RM62.11 million construction of a new road from Jalan Kampung Gembut to Kampung Teluk Baharu in Sedili Besar, Kota Tinggi. The Pasir Gudang Expressway project commenced on December 3 and is expected to conclude by December 2, 2028. This seven-kilometre upgrade spans from the Perling elevated interchange to the North-South Expressway slip road in Pasir Gudang, expanding the expressway from four to six lanes to reduce traffic congestion.

Meanwhile, the new road project in Kota Tinggi involves constructing a 3.1-kilometre stretch and a 320-metre bridge over Sungai Sedili Besar, offering a safer alternative route for local residents. Construction is set to begin on December 17, targeting completion by December 16, 2028. This development is anticipated to cut travel time from 45 minutes to 15 minutes and improve safety by replacing the current narrow plantation road.

Ahmad shared these details during a press conference following the handover ceremony of two letters of acceptance to contractors for infrastructure projects in Johor, involving the Works Ministry and the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW). He also noted that, as of December 1, 54 projects worth RM2.96 billion have been approved nationwide, with 17 under the Works Ministry and 36 under KKDW.

Addressing issues of delayed projects, Ahmad highlighted that project and financial management problems account for 75 per cent of delays. Although only five per cent of projects are classified as delayed, the ministry is taking serious measures, including issuing warning letters to non-compliant contractors.