Kuala lumpur: The government has announced a significant increase in the allocation for federal road maintenance in Sabah and Sarawak, with an upsurge of 300 percent this year to tackle critical infrastructure needs in these regions, as reported to the Dewan Rakyat today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi stated that RM200 million has been approved individually for Sarawak and Sabah. Additionally, RM300 million has been allocated for the maintenance of federal roads in Peninsular Malaysia. Previously, more funds were directed towards the peninsula due to pressing requirements, but this year, the focus has shifted to the urgent needs in Sarawak and Sabah.

Nanta also revealed plans for the commencement of work on the 136.74-kilometre Redline alignment in Sarawak within the year. The upgrade aims to rebuild the pavement structure and improve safety features. The Redline project, a strategic federal government initiative, is segmented into two primary components: a short alignment of 17.1 km covering nine sections in Lachau, Selangau, Balingian, Kemena, Sebiew, and Tudan; and a long alignment of 119.64 km, extending through Durin and Salim, Kemena, Tudan, Batu Kawa, and Padawan.