Works Ministry allocates RM50 mln to repair roads, facilities damaged by flood

Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi. Photo credit: Ukas

KUCHING, Jan 14: The Ministry of Works (MoW) has allocated up to RM50 million to conduct maintenance works on road and public facilities damaged by flood disaster this year.

Federal Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said however, the amount may increase depending on needs and applications from states affected by floods.

He revealed that in light of the northeast monsoon season, the Public Works Department (JKR) has activated its Disaster Operation Room (BiGBen) to serve as a one-stop centre for the management of and information on disasters such as floods, slopes, landslides or damaged bridges that involve roads under the supervision of JKR.

“Malaysia is currently facing the second wave of the flood season and we predict that there will be a third.

“Now, several states in the peninsula have already been affected by floods such as Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor.

“Therefore, next week I will visit Kelantan to inspect the situation and approve RM10.6 million for repair works in the state.

“In addition, on Jan 19, I might pay a visit to Johor too because I have received reports from JKR Johor on damaged roads that have been identified,” he said after attending a townhall session in conjunction with Premier of Sarawak’s 7th anniversary at Hikmah Exchange here last night (Jan 13).

Touching on the townhall session, Nanta who is Kapit Member of Parliament (MP) believed that Sarawakians need to be continuously exposed to the plans, initiatives and strategies implemented by the Sarawak government.

“With continuous exposure, the public will not only be able to understand the issues being faced by the State, but also be able to clearly know how government allocations are used and how decisions are made for the future of Sarawak,” he added. — DayakDaily