‘Significant funds to fix flooddamaged roads, hill slopes’
KUCHING: A significant allocation is needed to repair roads and hill slopes that were severely damaged by the recent floods in Sarawak, said Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
He said his ministry is currently reviewing how best to assist the Sarawak government in restoration works.
“We have received the request at the state level, and we are looking into how we can help.
“However, we also need to discuss with the Economy Ministry and the Finance Ministry to secure funding,” he told reporters when met after paying a courtesy call on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday.
He was accompanied by his deputy Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, Works Ministry secretary general Datuk Seri Azman Ibrahim, and Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) director Dr Cassidy Morris.
Nanta, who had earlier paid courtesy calls on Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan at their respective offices, said this issue was also discussed during his meetings with them.
He said other matters brought up during the meetings were on finding solutions to issues concerning projects in Sarawak and Sabah, particularly those that are delayed or may not be completed within the set timeframe.
“This discussion is timely as next year marks the start of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), where we will coordinate and prioritise the projects needed by Sarawak and Sabah.
“We also gave our feedback on how to implement these projects later or apply for funding from the Ministry of Economy or the Ministry of Finance,” he said.
Nanta said he had briefed Abang Johari on projects that have been approved, are being implemented, as well as those in the pre-implementation stage, continuation projects, and others.
“We provided a comprehensive overview of the Malaysia Plan up to this year, specifically under Rolling Plan 5 of the 12MP.
“These projects include road and bridge infrastructures, and so on, including school buildings and hospitals,” he said.