Works Minister: RM4 Billion Needed To Repair Federal Roads

Public Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

Earlier this week, Public Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi revealed that his ministry requires no less than RM4 billion annually for the maintenance, upkeep and repair of federal roads. However, the minister also revealed that the his ministry received much less than that annually.

In fact, the minister told local newswire Bernama recently that the Works Ministry has only received a budget of roughly RM1 billion annually instead over the past several decades. “That is the reason for the backlog in road maintenance and repairs,” he added.

The minister revealed this whilst at an event in Tawau, Sabah where he also announced an RM130 million allocation for road maintenance and repairs in said East Malaysia state. During which, the minister expressed hope that the federal government would allocate more funds for federal road repairs and maintenance as the current allocated budget only covers up to 25% for which.

The Public Works Ministry details that RM4 billion is needed annually to repair and maintain federal roads, but said ministry only receives roughly RM1 bliion. (Image: The Star)

In light of Malaysia assuming the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025 and 2026 planned as Visit Malaysia Year, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi says that the Works Ministry will apply for higher budget allocation next year. Said ministry will do so under a special programme to improve roads ahead of the two key events mentioned.

“Continuous focus on road maintenance is part of the commitment by the government to consistently provide comfortable and safe infrastructure for all Malaysians,” continued the minister regarding the matter before also acknowledging public complaints regarding street lighting issues.

In regards to the latter, the minister urged concession companies to devise practical solutions within financial means. He noted that this includes efforts at installing more cats-eye reflectors or solar lights across risky and dark stretches of roads.

Source: Bernama