KUCHING: The Ministry of Works has welcomed the announcement of Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) and Sabah’s JKR being recognised as the Government Technical Department.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said that with such a recognition, JKR in Sarawak and Sabah had been given the power to administer federal development projects that are worth up to RM50 million.
“The decision will involve the amendment of the Treasury Directive 182 (AP182) in which previously, non-technical departments have to get the service from the technical departments that are recognised, which are JKR Malaysia and Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) Malaysia in order to implement all the government projects.
“Apart from that, the Ministry of Works felt that a guideline should be discussed and prepared with the federal agency in order to decide the details related to jurisdiction, roles and responsibilities of the involved parties within the implementation of the projects in both of the states,” he said in a statement yesterday.
On the status of the Pan Borneo Highway (LPB) project, he said that as of yesterday, the first phase of both Pan Borneo Sarawak and Sabah has reached its physical progress up to 91 per cent for Sarawak and 73 per cent for Sabah.
“The overall first phase of LPB Sarawak is expected to be completed by the end of this year except for roads in Lambir and Beluru, which are expected to be completed in 2024 due to the changes on the project scope.
“While the first phase of LPB Sabah is expected to be completed by the end of 2025,” he added.
Nanta noted that with phase two of LPB Sarawak which involves Miri-Limbang-Lawas (Trans Borneo Highway), phase two of Sarawak Sabah Link Road (SSLR) and phase 1B for Northern Borneo Highway (LBU) Sabah, the overall estimation costs of the project is RM26.2 billion.
“All of the new projects have received the principal approval from the Cabinet minister in April 2022.
“The physical construction will begin sometime in 2024 right after Budget 2023 has been approved by the Parliament and the confirmation of the approval of the allocation has been accepted from the federal agency,” he said.
