Perak: All utility companies and contractors in Perak are required to obtain a permit from the Public Works Department (JKR) before carrying out any excavation work within road reserves, said state Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the requirement applies to all earthworks involving the installation or repair of water pipelines, gas pipelines, electricity cables, and telecommunications lines to ensure that they do not affect underground infrastructure or compromise the safety and convenience of road users. Mohammad Nizar emphasized that without the permit, the Koridor Utiliti Darul Ridzuan (KUDR) and JKR would immediately halt the work. He stated that these road reserves are under JKR's supervision and must not be disturbed without permission.

Mohammad Nizar noted that the permit application procedure has now been streamlined through collaboration between JKR and KUDR, which includes the implementation of ground mapping to identify existing utilities' locations. This process is crucial in areas with multiple underground utilities, as excavation work conducted without accurate information could damage electricity cables and water pipelines, and pose a risk to gas pipelines.

He highlighted that issues previously arose when approvals were granted without comprehensive mapping, resulting in damage to Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) cables or Perak Water Board (LAP) pipelines. With the coordination of JKR and KUDR permits, potential clashes with high-risk pipelines, such as gas pipelines, can now be identified and damage to multiple utilities prevented.

Additionally, JKR permits set standards for resurfacing and restoring roads after excavation work is completed. Mohammad Nizar warned that failure by contractors to comply with the stipulated specifications, including inadequate compaction of the road base, could cause road surfaces to sink, develop potholes, and become uneven.