By Christopher Lidom & Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Dec 9: Sarawak’s Coastal Road Network project is currently 77.9 per cent complete, according to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He explained that the project includes 13 new road and bridge packages and 29 rehabilitation works packages, with a total value of RM5.42 billion.
“To date, all the new road and bridge packages are under construction, with one package expected to be completed this year.
“Following that, ten packages are set for completion in 2025, one package in 2026, and the final package in 2027,” he said when speaking during Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) Gala Night held at the Imperial Hotel here earlier tonight.
The Coastal Road Network spans 896km and will connect towns such as Kota Samarahan, Asajaya, Sadong Jaya, Sebuyau, Kabong, Tanjung Manis, Daro, Matu, Igan, Oya, Mukah, Balingian, Bintulu, and Miri to the Pan Borneo Highway.
Uggah, who is also Sarawak’s Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD), provided an update on the Second Trunk Road, which consists of 20 work packages valued at RM5.58 billion.
“A total of 15 projects are in various stages of construction, with the remaining five in the pre-contract stage.
“The construction schedule for the 15 projects includes three projects set for completion in 2025, followed by seven packages in 2026, two packages in 2027, and three packages in 2028,” he added.
Additionally, Uggah highlighted that under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), JKR is entrusted with 496 projects, valued at RM30 billion. Of these, 203 projects have been completed, 109 are under construction, and 184 are in the pre-contract stage.
JKR is also managing 276 projects worth RM3.48 billion under various regional development agencies.
Uggah further said the department is authorised to implement federal projects under Treasury Directive 182 (AP182) for projects valued at RM50 million or less, as agreed by the federal government through the MA63 Committee.
As of October 2024, JKR has implemented 146 projects totalling RM2.26 billion.
“It is critical for JKR to demonstrate its capacity to implement these projects efficiently. Our current capacity for such projects is below RM50 million.
“This will enable Sarawak to request an increase in the ceiling for this program to RM100 million or more. The Sarawak government’s objective is for JKR Sarawak to handle all federal infrastructure projects within this ceiling,” he added. – DayakDaily
