Kota iskandar: The Johor state government has successfully recovered most delayed infrastructure projects through strategic interventions and phased recovery measures implemented between 2022 and 2025. State Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh reported that out of 200 federal-level projects, 51 were identified as delayed, while 20 of 124 state-level projects were also behind schedule.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, proactive measures have led to the completion of several critical projects, including the upgrading of the FT001 Johor Bahru-Air Hitam route in Kulai in 2023 and the construction of a new road at Jalan Kampung Rahmat in Batu Pahat in 2024. Mohamad Fazli highlighted during the Johor State Legislative Assembly sitting that the project to upgrade the road from Taman Kempas Utama to Kampung Maju Jaya into a four-lane route spanning 2.2 kilometres has been completed and is part of the 2025 plans.
In response to a question from Ee Chin Li (DAP-Tangkak) about transparency and accountability, Mohamad Fazli revealed that several terminated 'sick projects' are now in the final phase under rescue contractors and are expected to be fully completed this year. These projects include the construction of a concrete bridge at Jalan Gelang Patah-Pendas, the replacement of Kampung Sawah bridge in Pontian, and a bridge replacement at Sungai Machap in Kluang. Additionally, a project in Kampung Perigi Acheh is anticipated to be completed in 2027.
The state government has adopted a stricter and more structured approach, which includes terminating underperforming contractors, re-tendering projects, imposing Liquidated Ascertained Damages (LAD), and withholding progress payments. Mohamad Fazli stated that if delays worsen, a special committee will be formed to identify the causes and formulate effective solutions to ensure public interests are not compromised.
Looking ahead, governance will be strengthened with measures to resolve utility issues and land status before issuing Letters of Acceptance. Additionally, contractor capability assessments will be tightened to improve future project completions and efficiency.