Bus crash site among key highway sections set for upgrades, says Nanta
Works minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said upgrading work on FT04 was completed in phases between July and August 2023, with a total cost of RM55.73 million. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : The site of the accident that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students yesterday has been identified as one of the key sections of the East-West Highway slated for upgrading, says works minister Alexander Nanta Linggi.
In a Facebook post, he said RM55 million had been allocated for road improvements this year, and various initiatives had been undertaken since 2023 to enhance the Gerik-Jeli route, particularly along the FT04 federal road.
Nanta said an allocation of RM30 million was approved in June 2023 for the reconstruction of sections of the highway.
Two months later, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced an additional RM30 million to further upgrade the route.
'This allocation has been utilised to upgrade and maintain several critical sections of FT04,' he said.
Nanta said ongoing works include road resurfacing and the repair of facilities, bridges, street lights and traffic lights along both directions of the route.
He said all upgrading work on FT04 was completed in phases between July and August 2023, with a total cost of RM55.73 million.
Nanta said RM7.2 million was allocated last year for various repair works at several other sections of the route.
He said while the police investigation into the accident early yesterday morning was still ongoing, he had received various feedback on road conditions.
'As I have emphasised before, the ministry remains fully committed to ensuring road infrastructure is safe and comfortable for all users.
'At the same time, I must stress that road safety is a shared responsibility, including that of road users themselves,' he said.
A total of 48 victims were involved in the bus accident on the Gerik-Jeli East West Highway yesterday, comprising 42 students, the bus driver and his assistant, and a married couple along with their six-year-old daughter and three-year-old son, who were in a Perodua Alza the bus collided with.
Thirteen of the UPSI students died at the scene and two at the hospital. Four people were injured.
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