2026 Budget: East-West Highway upgrades a priority for Works Ministry

New Straits Times

11 hours ago

KUALA KANGSAR: The East-West Highway (JRTB), particularly the Gerik-Jeli stretch, is among the key priorities for the Works Ministry under the upcoming 2026 Budget, said Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
He said the ministry has submitted a request for funding to upgrade several sections of the route, citing urgent safety needs.
However, the exact allocation will depend on the government's final decision.
"It's not a special allocation, we've included it under regular funding requests for the JRTB," he told reporters after the official opening of the Sultan Muzzaffar Shah Bridge at Dataran Manong today.
Earlier, the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah officially inaugurated the bridge.
Also present were Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, his wife Datin Seri Aezer Zubin, as well as Public Works director-general Datuk Roslan Ismail.
As part of ongoing safety measures along the JRTB, Nanta said 385 solar-powered streetlights have been installed in high-risk areas and dangerous bends, commonly known as 'black spots'.
"These are not for the entire highway, only for critical sections identified through our assessments," he said, adding that damaged guardrails, signboards and road markings are also being repaired or replaced.
Nanta also announced the launch of the MYJalan mobile app, which aims to enable the public to report road damage and submit feedback directly to the ministry.
"Perak has been chosen as the first state to launch the MYJalan initiative, reflecting our commitment to public feedback and road safety," he said.
He said the JRTB's condition had been a concern since the start of his tenure and described the highway as not only a vital interstate link but also a key part of the country's road development history.
Data collected via the app, he noted, has already supported federal funding requests, leading to repair and upgrade works along the JRTB and other federal roads in Perak.
– Bernama