Finance Ministry urged to expedite Kupang-Bajau road project decision

SARATOK: The Ministry of Finance has been urged to expedite its decision regarding the tender for the Kupang-Bajau road construction project, a long-awaited development the public hoped would begin this year.
Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri highlighted the delay, stressing the importance of timely implementation.
“The minister’s response to the latest developments of the project during the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly session was eagerly awaited by the people of Kalaka,” Mohamad said, referencing remarks by Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
“From the minister’s response, the tender is currently awaiting a decision from the Ministry of Finance.
“Although we are disappointed that it could not start this year, we urge the Ministry of Finance to expedite the necessary actions. This is a matter of public trust.
“Moreover, this is an essential project that is very much needed and should be carried out as soon as possible. We do not want the people to wait longer while using the gravel road,” he said when asked for further comments, Thursday (Nov 21).
Uggah, who is also the Deputy Premier, stated during his ministry’s closing speech that the Kupang-Bajau road project tender is still awaiting Finance Ministry approval. The project is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025.
Additionally, the tender for the Serandong-Perpat-Paloh-Batang Maro road project in the Betong region is expected to be awarded by the end of this year.
Meanwhile, Mohamad welcomed a proposal to increase the cost of constructing the Krian River Bridge in Saratok to RM122 million.
“As stated by the minister, the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) is in the process of increasing the project cost for the bridge from RM90 million to RM122 million.”
He noted that the second bridge across the Krian River in Saratok is currently at the pre-contract stage and stressed the need for swift implementation.
“Like the two projects mentioned above, I also hope they can be implemented immediately to improve the welfare and socioeconomic status of the rural people.”
Mohamad concluded by stressing the importance of all these infrastructure projects to the region’s development.