RM10.5 mln Kapit Waterfront extension completed in time for Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari
KAPIT (July 10): Works Minister, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, today officiated the completion of the Kapit Waterfront riverbank extension and slope protection project — a timely upgrade ahead of the Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari, which kicks off today and runs until July 13.
The RM10.5 million project, implemented by the Kapit Public Works Department (JKR), began on December 27, 2022, and was completed on June 26 this year.
Despite facing delays due to extreme weather and additional scope of work, the project was delivered successfully.
'As Kapit's MP since 1999, I am very concerned about every development that takes place here,' said Nanta, during the officiation ceremony.
He noted that the riverbank extension and slope protection works had been long awaited by the local community, and expressed appreciation to all parties involved in bringing the project to fruition.
Nanta stressed that both federal and state governments remain committed to building modern, inclusive, and sustainable infrastructure for the people.
'The Kapit Waterfront project is part of the state government's initiative. It not only beautifies the town but also serves as a venue for social, recreational, and economic activities,' he said.
Phase 1 of the extension focused on enhancing safety, structural integrity, and visual appeal, particularly to improve access for rural residents who rely on river transport.
He added that the upgraded waterfront is expected to boost tourism and support local economic activity, especially for small traders and hawkers.
'It can become a healthy gathering space that unites the community and positions Kapit as a more progressive, competitive township aligned with Sarawak's development agenda.'
New features include pedestrian walkways, street lighting, cultural landscaping, design motifs reflecting local identity, as well as dedicated spaces for events and commerce.
At the same event, Nanta also launched the 'Tugu Bujang Berani', a monument overlooking the Rajang River.
According to Veterans Association of Malaysia (PVATM) Kapit chairman Martin Bilun, the monument honours the brave men of Kapit Division who served in the armed forces since the colonial era, including Iban trackers, British Army veterans, Sarawak Rangers, and members of the Malaysian Armed Forces.
'It is a tribute to the courage and struggles of the Dayak people in defending Sarawak and Malaysia,' said Martin.
Present at the event were federal Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong; Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Native Customs and Laws) Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat; Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong; Baleh assemblyman Nicholas Kudi Jantai; KDC chairman Andy Lawrence; Political Secretary to Sarawak Premier Watson Awan Jalai; and Political Secretary to Nanta, Ambrose Abong Bugek.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Works Ministry needs RM4 billion a year to maintain roads
KUALA LUMPUR: The Works Ministry needs up to RM4 billion annually to fully carry out road maintenance across the country. However, its Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the ministry only receives about 30 per cent of that amount each year to repair federal roads, which fall under its jurisdiction. As a result, he acknowledged that the ministry faces challenges in ensuring all roads under its care are properly maintained. "We consistently submit funding requests to improve road maintenance. We do so earnestly because maintaining roads requires a budget of RM4 billion. "But usually, we only receive 30 per cent or even less of that amount as approved in the annual budget. "If possible, we hope this gap can be narrowed, as we really need more funds for this purpose," he said during the BH Podcast Borak Harini programme titled 'Salah jalan atau salah orang punca ramai mati di jalan' recently. He said this year's budget allocated RM10.35 billion to the ministry, a nine per cent increase from RM9.511 billion last year. Nanta added that the RM4 billion allocation is not only for road repairs but also for rebuilding aging infrastructure, as many road facilities are becoming increasingly worn out. In a related development, he said the ministry aims to improve highway facilities by focusing on the implementation of the barrierless toll collection system, known as the Multi-Lane Fast Flow (MLFF). He said that while it is difficult to specify a timeline for the MLFF rollout, the ministry is committed to implementing the system as soon as possible to ease highway traffic flow. "Currently, we're using various methods including Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and cards, all of which are improvement measures. But ultimately, the ministry is in the process of transitioning to MLFF. "The government is identifying a company or agency that can manage MLFF. Since we plan to implement it, we're not prioritising major investments in other toll payment system upgrades that would require significant spending. "If we invest in upgrading another system now and then switch to MLFF in a year or two, that investment wouldn't be worthwhile. "So we're holding off a bit longer to move ahead with MLFF," he said when asked whether the ministry plans to improve the current RFID system. Previously, the Public Accounts Committee had said the ministry must ensure there are no financial implications for the government or users under the proposed MLFF system, which is expected to be finalised soon. Meanwhile, Nanta said abolishing highway tolls is not feasible under current economic conditions, as it would place a significant financial burden on the government due to high road maintenance costs and compensation to concessionaires. He said that eliminating tolls would require the government to allocate billions of ringgit for highway maintenance and compensation, funds that could be better used elsewhere. "Abolishing tolls is not a small matter because it would involve huge financial implications related to maintenance and payments to concession companies. Is that reasonable?" he said. On the MYJalan mobile application launched by the ministry in August 2023, Nanta said it has received 39,371 complaints to date. Of that number, only 11,959 complaints, or 30.38 per cent, involved federal roads under the ministry's jurisdiction.
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Govt finalising talks on Mex II project, Dewan told
PETALING JAYA: Putrajaya is currently finalising discussions with the Receivers and Managers (R&M) of the Maju Expressway (Mex II) to find the best solution for completing the stalled extension project, says Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. According to Nanta, the discussions focus on a solution to complete the project, considering various aspects, including the project's cost, traffic impact analysis, toll rates, cash flow management, and other factors necessary to ensure the project's sustainability. 'The plan and direction of the Mex II project will be coordinated by a Central Agency together with the relevant Ministries or agencies, particularly regarding the financial model, taking into account the appropriate parameters for the assessment of the project's viability, including technical aspects, will be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration,' he said. Nanta stated this in a written parliamentary reply dated July 31, in response to Yeo Bee Yin (PH-Puchong), who had asked about updates on the Mex II project, including whether the concessionaire requires government approval for claim applications. She also inquired about the funding required for the project's completion and whether additional funding would result in higher toll rates. According to Nanta, the Mex II project was entirely borne by the concessionaire through the build-operate-transfer (BOT) method. 'All project progress confirmation, including progress claims, is reviewed and verified between the contractor, concessionaire, supervision consultant and independent checking engineer, which are submitted directly to the sukuk party,' said Nanta. 'Therefore, the progress claims for this project do not involve approval at the federal level, since it involved private financing,' he added. Mex II is a planned three-lane dual carriageway designed to connect the MEX Putrajaya interchange to the KLIA highway. The project began construction in 2016, and it was initially scheduled for completion in December 2019, but was halted due to financial issues. The 18km extension project of the Mex II also came under scrutiny recently following a graft probe into allegations of false claims involving RM360mil. Four individuals, including a Datuk Seri, were previously detained in connection with investigations into funds raised through sukuk issuance for the project. Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki had said 61 witnesses had been called in to assist with investigations In early May, the MACC seized various assets, including luxury vehicles, designer handbags, jewellery and cash totalling RM32mil from an individual with a Tan Sri title. This followed reports that MACC had opened three investigation papers related to bribery and false claims involving the Mex II project.
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
New Kuching airport access road to ease traffic by September
KUCHING: The construction of an eight-kilometer access road connecting Jalan Datuk Mohamad Musa in Kota Samarahan to the southern access road of the airport is expected to be fully completed this September. Works Minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, said the road, which is categorised as a federal road, will serve as an alternative route to alleviate the frequent traffic congestion between Kota Samarahan and Kuching. 'The current progress is at 96 percent, with only four percent remaining, which involves the installation of road equipment and lights. I understand the entire project can be completed next month,' he told reporters after an official working visit to the project site today. He also stated that the development agenda for the 13th Malaysia Plan under his ministry in Sarawak will be aligned with the state's Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). He said infrastructure development like roads, education, health, and industries are among the priorities under this plan, in line with the Sarawak State Government's commitment to drive the green energy and sustainable technology sectors. 'The 13th Malaysia Plan document clearly states that Sarawak and Sabah will become energy industry hubs. Therefore, the implementation of infrastructure projects like this is crucial,' he said. Commenting on his ministry's role, Nanta said the Ministry of Works (KKR), through the Public Works Department (JKR), plays a significant role as the primary implementer of national infrastructure development. 'Besides building roads, JKR also assists other ministries like the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health in building and repairing schools, colleges, hospitals, and clinics,' he added. - Bernama
