State seeks more funding for coastal roads in 2018 Budget

MALUDAM: The state government is seeking a greater allocation from Budget 2018 for coastal roads.

Assistant Minister of Coastal Road Datuk Julaihi Narawi said the allocation is necessary for building coastal roads and upgrading existing ones.

“Of course we have Pan Borneo Highway, but coastal areas are densely populated, which necessitates the construction of coastal roads,” he told reporters after visiting the Triso-Maludam Road, which is in need of repairs.

He pointed out that over 30 per cent of the state’s population live in coastal areas from Sematan to the northern parts of the state, adding they have always been strong supporters of Barisan Nasional (BN).

About 9km of the TrisoMaludam road requires repairs and the costs are being studied.

“We will need feedback from JKR ( Public Works Department) Betong because this area is under JKR Betong,” he said.

He said the Triso- Maludam Road, which is over 10 years old, is a second link for vehicles.

“This stretch of road is heavily used and also by heavy vehicles, which resulted in the damage. So we need to repair it,” he stressed.

Julaihi (fifth left) inspects the damaged stretch of road. On his right is JKR Betong divisional engineer Mihan Jorai.