Kuala Lumpur: The process of repairing hazardous roads across the country will be carried out in stages, with priority given to sections with critical damage, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. He mentioned that the Ministry of Works (KKR) has identified nearly RM4 billion worth of repairs needed to address all hazardous roads. However, due to financial constraints, the improvements will be implemented in phases.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nanta shared that they already have complete data on the dangerous roads and the financial requirements. Repairing all roads at once would necessitate RM4 billion, but without that allocation, the repairs must be phased. He was responding to questions regarding efforts by the ministry to identify and repair damaged roads following the tragic accident along the Gerik-Jeli stretch of the East-West Highway (JRTB) on June 9, which claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students.
Nanta stated that improvements to the JRTB are already planned for this year, with an allocation of RM55 million. The upgrades will include the installation of 385 streetlights and road line markings to enhance visibility and safety. He added that the ministry had identified roads in the worst condition through its existing database, and repair works will be carried out based on urgency.
To support the decision-making process, the ministry is employing the Pavement Condition Assessment (PCA) method to determine areas needing immediate attention. For the JRTB Gerik-Jeli route, the PCA was conducted from March 13 to May 13, using advanced technologies such as the Multi Laser Profiler (MLP) and Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD).
Additionally, Nanta addressed suggestions to install guardrails at high-risk locations, stating that the ministry is open to public feedback, including views shared online. They are considering all input from the public, netizens, and relevant stakeholders with careful evaluation.
The Gawai Open House @ KKR 2025, held at Dewan Tan Sri Mahfoz Khalid, was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, as well as senior ministry officials and staff.