Construction of Ketereh–Kok Lanas stretch on Kelantan highway moving faster than planned, on track for August 2026 completion
He said work resumed in February this year and has now reached 6.1 per cent completion, which is 5.1 per cent ahead of the scheduled progress.
'This package, involving the construction of a four-lane dual carriageway spanning 6.2 kilometres and with a current contract cost of RM73.7 million, is now being undertaken by contractor, Daie Engineering Sdn Bhd, to complete the outstanding works.
'I am aware that this project is facing several challenges, including land acquisition, utility coordination, labour shortages, unpredictable weather, and rising construction material prices.
'However, I assure that the Works Ministry together with the Public Works Department will closely monitor and manage these challenges as best as possible so that the project can be completed according to schedule,' he said in a Facebook post.
Nanta, who inspected the project today, said that as part of the overall 70.4 km KBKK Expressway construction, Package 2B will also serve as an important link in easing congestion along Federal Route 8, especially during festive seasons and school holidays.
'In addition, it will reduce travel time from seven hours to four and a half hours, cut travel distance by 24 km, improve road safety, and open up new economic opportunities for the local community.
'To me, this project is not just about building a new road, it is the lifeline connecting the people of Kelantan to greater opportunities, be it in terms of economy, social aspects, or quality of life,' he said.
He added that when the highway is completed, it will form part of the Central Spine Road (LTU) network, strengthening the connectivity between the East Coast and the Klang Valley.
'I would like to thank all parties involved for their efforts and commitment. My hope is to see the people of Kelantan and the East Coast enjoy the benefits of this project within the stipulated time frame. The people cannot be kept waiting any longer,' he said. — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
10 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Labuan batik set to dazzle the world: From local art to global fashion statement
LABUAN, Aug 12 — Labuan Batik is set to step onto Malaysia's fashion stage before making its mark internationally, celebrated for its vibrant colours, floral and marine-inspired motifs and deep connection to the island's cultural heritage. With distinctive artistry and innovative techniques, the craft is gaining momentum as one of Labuan's most promising cultural exports. The newly established Labuan Warisan (LAWA) Craft Gallery, officially opened by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, on July 27, has quickly become a must-visit destination for both local and international visitors. Within just weeks of its opening, the gallery has become a cultural hub, offering a first-hand look at the creative process behind batik-making and serving as a showcase of Labuan's distinctive artistry. Visitors can watch artisans at work, learn about the painstaking stages of batik production and purchase pieces that carry the island's identity. Labuan batik stands apart for its innovative use of sago, a starch extracted from the pith of the sago palm (Metroxylon sagu), as the primary resist material in place of conventional candle wax. Applied with a canting or brush, sago creates intricate patterns while being environmentally friendly and abundant in Labuan. This eco-conscious choice not only strengthens the island's sustainability credentials but also sets Labuan batik apart as an art form that reflects its unique natural resources. At the forefront of this movement is Mastura Abd Razak, 44, a Labuan-born Bruneian and the sole batik entrepreneur on the island. Labuan local Bruneian and the sole batik entrepreneur, Mastura Abd Razak, 44, crafting Batik Linut in the workshop at Galeri Lawa Labuan. — Bernama pic Trained by the Sabah branch of the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia), Mastura operates the business with her husband, Abd Rahmad Abd Malik, 45, who is from Sarawak. The couple's workshop at LAWA has become a focal point for cultural appreciation, skill transfer and heritage preservation. Mastura has also begun receiving orders from government agencies and corporate sectors, in addition to serving individual customers. Their enterprise enjoys full support from the Department of Federal Territories (JWP), whose backing has enabled the expansion of batik promotion initiatives and the participation of Labuan batik in local and regional exhibitions. Speaking to Bernama, Mastura believes such support is crucial to raising the profile of Labuan batik nationally and internationally. 'With continuous government backing, Labuan batik can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Terengganu's batik on the international stage. 'Within the next five years, I envision Labuan batik being worn by well-known models at fashion shows in Malaysia and abroad. It will be our island's gift to the world, a keepsake for visitors and a statement piece for global markets,' she said. Mastura said beyond the artistic value, the rise of Labuan batik also holds economic potential, as unique cultural products like batik offer a strong selling point for visitors seeking authentic souvenirs. She said if marketed effectively, Labuan batik could contribute to the island's creative economy, create job opportunities for local artisans, and position Labuan as a niche destination for cultural tourism. — Bernama
Malay Mail
11 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Azalina: Malaysia must upgrade legal system to tackle AI evidence issues
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 12 — The government will examine the need for specific laws on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in light of emerging legal challenges. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the current legal system needs to be upgraded, as AI-related laws require different approaches, including burden of proof, authenticity and document integrity. 'Right now, whatever you say, every document is online, and because it's online you can fabricate any content,' she told a press conference after launching the Malaysia National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR) 2025-2030 at the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) here today. She said courts must be confident in accepting AI-based evidence, as the technology can produce visuals or audio resembling individuals, but do not exist in reality, adding that the matter requires serious consideration to protect the public from fraud or manipulation. Commenting on the progress of the Political Funding Bill, she said it is still in process and subject to the agreement of political parties. 'We have three Parliament sessions in a year… it (Bill) is still in process,' she said. On the issue of employers retaining workers' passports, Azalina stressed that such action is prohibited under Malaysian law. 'You have to be fair to your workers and return the passport,' she said, emphasising that Malaysia respects the human rights of all workers, including foreign workers from Asean countries, and must not act aggressively or unlawfully against them. Earlier in her keynote address, Azalina said the launch of the NAPBHR 2025-2030 marked Malaysia's first national framework to integrate human rights into business and corporate governance. She said the plan reflected Malaysia's commitment to the United Nations Guiding Principles as the country assumes the Asean Chairmanship. 'The success of this plan demands more than government effort; it requires shared ownership,' she said. The NAPBHR focuses on labour, environment and governance, and was developed through consultations since 2019 with ministries, agencies, civil society, business leaders, Indigenous communities, unions and academics. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
11 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Malaysian bond outflows to ease on Fed cut bets, lower dollar
Global funds withdrew US$1.2 billion from Malaysian sovereign debt last month, the largest outflow since October. (EPA Images pic) KUALA LUMPUR : Foreign outflows from Malaysia's domestic bond market may ease, according to Convera Singapore, as growing expectations of Federal Reserve (Fed) interest-rate cuts begin to shift investor sentiment. Global funds withdrew US$1.2 billion from Malaysian sovereign debt last month, the largest outflow since October, as the dollar gained for the first time this year. Following weaker-than-expected US nonfarm payrolls in July, swap markets now price in at least two Fed rate cuts this year. The prospect of looser US monetary policy and a weaker greenback may boost demand for higher-yielding emerging-market assets like Malaysian bonds – just as domestic inflation cools, with prices in June rising at their slowest pace since February 2021. 'There are signs that the worst of the outflows may be behind us,' said Shier Lee Lim, an FX and macro strategist at Convera. 'For the remainder of the year, the outlook for Malaysia's bonds will depend on broader emerging market risk appetite, the direction of US interest rates, and clarity on local policy,' Shier said.
