A sum of RM5.939 billion will be allocated next year via the State Budget and State Alternative Funding Initiatives to implement various projects under the transport sub-sector such as roads and bridges, ports, airports and other modes of transport.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed this when tabling the Supply (2021) Bill, 2020 at the DUN sitting yesterday (Nov 9).
He said the state government had always prioritised the development of infrastructure such as bridges.
“Under the 2021 State Budget, a total sum of RM1.273 billion will be provided for the implementation of various roads and bridges as well as the upgrading of five roundabouts along the Kuching-Samarahan Expressway and the proposed construction of a road from Kampung Bako to Kampung Buntal,” said the chief minister.
He added the roads and bridges included the proposed Jalan Nanga Ibau/ Ulu Sg Ibau, Kapit; proposed Jalan Sg. Bidut/Kpg Tutus/ Kpg Sebedil/ Kpg Bungan Kecil, Sibu; proposed road to Rumah Panjang Nicholas Sandom, Sungai Sigu Pandan, Sebauh, Bintulu and proposed Marudi Bridge over Batang Baram, Miri.
“They also included the proposed Sg Limbang Bridge, Sg Bunut No.2 Bridge and connecting roads, Limbang; construction of Rantau Panjang/Rassau Road, Batang Igan Phase 1, Mukah; proposed Nanga Kesit – Ulu Lemanak-Engkari Road, Lubok Antu, Sri Aman and Jalan Tanjung Manis, Sibu Sebena and Ilas, Sarikei,” he said.
Abang Johari explained that the state government was also implementing a number of high impact projects such as the Coastal Road Network and Second Trunk Road projects.
“On seamless mobility and connectivity development, the installation of Aids to Navigations or AtoNs for the Batang Rajang Access Channel to Tanjung Manis Port will be provided with an allocation of RM25.0 million for continuation and completion of the project in 2021,” he said.
Abang Johari added one of the major initiatives was the development of Kuching Urban Transport System or KUTS for Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) to address traffic congestion in the Kuching–Samarahan areas and promote efficient and sustainable transport system.
He said a sum of RM384.0 million would be allocated next year for the implementation of the project.
