Bukit Kayu Hitam six-lane link road to Thai border on track for early completion
BUKIT KAYU HITAM: The construction of a six-lane road connecting the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex here to Thailand's Sadao Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex is on track for early completion.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the RM141.6 million project, which began following site possession in June last year, has reached 47 per cent physical progress and is scheduled to be completed by September.
"Based on today's briefing by the contractor and relevant parties, there is a possibility it can be completed ahead of schedule.
"This would be good news. If we can achieve ahead of time (AOT) instead of an extension of time (EOT), that's a very positive development," he said during a press conference after a site visit to the project location today.
Nanta said the project is owned by the Home Ministry with the Public Works Department (PWD) serving as the technical implementing agency.
The visit, he said, was part of the government's commitment under the aspirations of the MyJalan programme to improve road infrastructure nationwide.
The scope of the project includes the construction of a six-lane dual carriageway spanning 900 metres, as well as a 300-metre R5 service road leading to the General Operations Force (PGA) Tactical Headquarters.
It also involved the demolition and replacement of 10 old buildings within the 5th Battalion of the Border Regiment camp, along with the development of a new final control post and a covered gateway.
Nanta emphasised that the road upgrade will significantly improve mobility, accessibility, and safety for road users at this strategic border entry point.
"All relevant agencies, including the Works Ministry, PWD, Home Ministry and the contractor, are fully committed to ensuring this project is delivered efficiently.
"The previous road conditions were old and narrow, but with cooperation from our Thai counterparts who have already upgraded their facilities to international standards, we must keep pace," he said.
Nanta said the completion of the project would also ensure that traffic flow at the border entry would remain efficient and smooth.
"There is no point in having such a major project if it does not solve the issue of traffic congestion. If the project can be completed early, as indicated, that would be excellent, "he added.
the road would streamline traffic, improve security, and facilitate the movement of commercial, heavy, and public vehicles at the border.
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