Kuala Lumpur: Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi will meet representatives of the concessionaire responsible for maintaining Jalan Sengkang-Felda Inas-Bandar Tenggara, Johor, tomorrow, following a recent accident that claimed the lives of two siblings.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the concessionaire had been reprimanded and directed to take immediate action to repair the road, which had already been carried out. Nanta urged them to learn from this incident to prevent future occurrences and emphasized the need for more frequent and detailed monitoring, as well as repairs of damaged roads and potholes. He pointed out that compliance with the agreement was crucial, though the contract with the concessionaire could not be terminated immediately.
In last Friday’s accident, two siblings, aged 17 and 16, were killed on their way to school when their motorcycle hit a pothole on Jalan Sengkang-Felda Inas-Bandar Tenggara in Kluang. Meanwhile, during a speech at an event, Nanta advised all parties, especially contractors involved in public infrastructure projects, to maintain road and bridge quality to prevent accidents.
He highlighted the negative impact this incident had on the ministry after being widely shared on social and mainstream media. He urged contractors to fulfill their responsibilities diligently, as failure to follow specifications could lead to accidents and tarnish the country’s image.
At the ceremony, six contractors received Letters of Acceptance to undertake road and bridge infrastructure projects under the Works Ministry and the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, with a total estimated cost of RM174.46 million. Among the projects is the elevation of Jalan Kota Tinggi-Mersing in Kota Tinggi, Johor, costing RM130.78 million, set to be completed by March 2028.
The other projects include replacing a culvert with a bridge in Kedah, upgrading a bridge in Pahang, replacing a suspension bridge in Rompin, constructing a new bridge in the Kenong Eco Forest Area, and replacing a bridge in Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan.
Nanta also reminded all contractors awarded the Letters of Acceptance to uphold integrity and trust in their responsibilities, ensuring each project was completed according to specified standards, quality, and timeline, or even ahead of schedule.