Nanta: 46 contractors awarded federal road maintenance projects in Sarawak totalling RM50 mln for 2025
KUCHING (June 23): A total of RM50 million has been allocated this year for periodic maintenance works on federal roads across Sarawak, covering areas from Kuching to Lawas.
Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the projects, which include both pavement and non-pavement maintenance, are part of an urgent response to needs identified statewide through prior assessments.
'The locations have been selected based on urgency. There are many more that require attention, but with limited funds, we prioritise critical areas,' said he told reporters after launching the Periodic Works Balloting Ceremony for G1 to G4 Bumiputera Contractors under the Federal Road Maintenance Contract for Sarawak 2025 here today.
In his speech, Nanta said the RM50 million allocation is part of an RM400 million development provision approved by the Ministry of Finance under Budget 2025 for Bumiputera contractors nationwide.
He said Sarawak's portion will fund 46 Work Orders; 25 for Periodic Pavement (BP) works such as resurfacing and patching and 21 for Periodic Non-Pavement (BBP) works.
Of these, six will be awarded to G1 contractors, 14 to G2, two to G3, and 24 to G4.
He explained that the balloting system, first introduced in 2020 by the Works Ministry, ensures transparency and fairness in selecting qualified Bumiputera contractors for the jobs.
'This system is to ensure fairness and to avoid any perception of favouritism.
'It is very transparent. That is why we hold the ballot,' he said.
Nanta reminded the selected contractors that the contracts awarded are not just a source of income.
'This is not just a job contract. It comes with the responsibility to carry out maintenance works properly, according to the given specifications and schedule.
'Failure to do so may result in road accidents or even fatalities due to poorly maintained infrastructure.
'Do not let your poor management lead to harm for road users. These are lives we are talking about. They could be your own family or friends,' he warned.
He also instructed the Public Work Department (JKR) Sarawak to continue monitoring the quality of contractors' work even after contracts are awarded.
'Our duty does not end with outsourcing. I have seen cases of poor supervision elsewhere and I do not want it happening here,' he said.
He added that the previous year's allocation for Sarawak was also RM50 million and expressed hope for additional funds under the next budget to support similar efforts in future. alexander nanta linggi lead road maintenance
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