KUCHING: The Works Ministry has allocated a total of RM7.5 million to repair damaged sections along Jalan Simpang Bakun heading to the Bakun dam, near Bintulu this year.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the funds had been disbursed for various repair works along the 128-km route following requests and feedback from the public.
“Today, I am returning here to see how the road conditions are (after the repair works); such as restoring and strengthening the pavement structure as well as the installation of gantries and road signs,” he told reporters after visiting the site on Saturday.
He said some parts of the road were critically damaged due to huge and overloaded lorries travelling along the route regularly while some even purposely knocked down the gantry – which was installed to prevent overloaded vehicles from using the route.
The issue of heavy vehicles, especially lorries that carry loads exceeding the maximum permitted weight limit, he said, has been identified as one of the main factors of road damage in the country.
It causes the road to deteriorate faster because the pavement structure is affected, thus, leading to higher road maintenance cost as well as affects the overall comfort and safety of road users.
“Therefore, in line with the Works Ministry’s (KKR) #MYJalan Campaign which was launched by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Aug 24 this year, I have suggested collaboration with local residents as well as requested the help of other road users to report such action immediately.
“They are encouraged to take pictures of acts that violate these rules and report them through the MYJalan application, so that we can take appropriate action promptly as well,” he said.
He added that his ministry also has plans to widen certain sections of the route, which are suitable for overtaking lanes. However, this would also depend on the approval of the allocation in the 2024 Budget.
“In total, we still need about RM23 million to upgrade this route, including 11km which are in critical condition.
“I will do my best to fight for the funds for the sake of the safety and comfort of the road users here,” he stressed.
