KUCHING: Sarawak is considering the use of recycled plastic materials for road resurfacing, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said he would discuss with Deputy Premier cum Infrastructure and Port Development Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas the implementation of plastic materials for road resurfacing from Bintulu to Samalaju, taking into consideration the uneven road conditions in the area.
“Last Thursday, when I was at Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), I noticed that they have a new technology for resurfacing roads that makes use of waste plastic.
“I have visited this stretch of road in Bangi that employed this technology, which has maintained its good condition even after 20 years as compared to roads constructed with just bitumen.
“Therefore, I suggest that the Sarawak Bumiputera Consulting Engineers Association visit Bangi and learn from PETRONAS on this innovative approach,” he said at the association’s anniversary dinner and engineer award ceremony at Kuching Waterfront Hotel on Friday night.
At the same time, Abang Johari stated he had directed that the road be resurfaced as part of the 12th Malaysia Plan based on his most recent experience riding a motorcycle from Miri to Bintulu.
“That implies that there are more job chances for you (the association’s members). These infrastructure projects, however, will need more funding.
“However, our revenue for the first quarters of this year has surpassed RM5 billion; as a result, with the help of our revenue engineering, possibly this year we can beat our nearly RM12 billion recorded in 2022, ” said the Premier.
With all the revenue generated, he added it would be then returned to the people through the development of projects for the benefit of Sarawakians, including those in the rural areas.
