Latest news with #PerakPublicWorksDepartment
New Straits Times
31-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Solar street light project on East-West Highway to be completed by September
IPOH: A total of 385 solar-powered street lights, valued at RM3.32 million, are currently being installed along the East-West Highway (JRTB), which connects Gerik to Jeli, Kelantan. The project is expected to be completed by September this year. Perak Public Works Department director Ir Zamri Abu Kasim said nine contractors were appointed for the installation works, which began on June 23. "The installations cover the following sections: Section 83.74 to 98.54 (42 units); Section 98.54 to 113 (42 units); Section 113 to 127 (58 units); Section 127 to 141.50 (58 units); Section 141.50 to 147 (42 units); Section 147 to 151 (33 units); Section 151 to 174.80 (55 units); and Section 174.80 to 198.60 (55 units)," he said today. Zamri added that as of July 23, the work progress stood between 25 and 50 per cent. "Among the ongoing tasks are site plotting and concrete foundation placement before the solar lamps are installed," he said. In addition to installing the solar lamps, contractors are also carrying out maintenance work on a faulty traffic light at Section 120.40. "The contractor is awaiting delivery of materials from the supplier before beginning on-site work. Re-measurement and site inspection are also being conducted," he said. On June 10, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the government allocated RM60 million in 2023 to implement various initiatives to enhance the Gerik–Jeli route, particularly along the FT04 federal road. He added that in August of the same year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an additional RM30 million allocation to further upgrade the route, including repairs to road furniture, bridges, street lights, and traffic lights. He said this in response to concerns raised over the condition of the FT04 route, where a fatal accident claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students on June 9.
The Star
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Gerik highway to receive safety upgrades following tragic bus crash, says Nanta
GERIK: The Works Ministry is preparing a report on the Pavement Condition Assessment to facilitate maintenance and paving work on the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway, set to begin soon. Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi stated that the assessment uses technologies like multi-laser profiler, falling weight deflectometer, dynamic cone penetrometer, and trial pit. The assessment began on March 13 and was completed on May 13, following modern international methods. However, the facilities and methods used depend on the allocated budget, particularly for road construction and repair, he told reporters on Thursday (June 12) after visiting the site of the June 9 bus crash that killed 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students at KM 53 of the highway. Nanta previously announced that the crash site is among sections of the highway identified for upgrades this year, with an allocation of RM55mil. Various initiatives have been taken since 2023 to improve the Gerik-Jeli route, especially on the FT04 Federal Road, Nanta said. Funds totaling RM80mil were allocated for 55 scopes of work under the Periodic Pavement Maintenance Programme to ensure the highway's good condition. The Work Order approval will be issued based on recommendations from the assessment report, he explained. Additionally, RM3.585mil has been allocated for the Street Light and Signal Light Maintenance Project, involving solar light installation along the highway, set to begin in July. The solar lights will be installed at the crash site. This project is currently in the procurement phase by the Perak Public Works Department and is expected to be completed by the end of October, he added. The ministry assures that all allocations will be used optimally for effective highway maintenance. - Bernama
New Straits Times
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Nanta: East-West Highway upgrades to follow pavement condition report
GERIK: Upgrading works for the East-West Highway from Gerik to Jeli will be carried out based on necessity, in accordance with recommendations presented in the Pavement Condition Assessment (PCA) report. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the assessment began in March and was completed last month. "The PCA involved the use of technologies such as the Multi Laser Profiler (MLP), Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD), Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP), and Trial Pit methods. "The PCA started on March 13 and was completed on May 13. We conducted it using the latest, internationally-recognised methods. "However, all the facilities and methods used depend on the allocation provided, particularly for road construction and repair," he said. He said this during a visit to the location of the tragic crash at Km53 which claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students. "From the ministry's side, we've long recognised this need. This road is old and follows the terrain, with many curves and slopes. Proposals for upgrading have existed for some time, but they depend on future government allocations. "We've discussed this with our top ministry officials and are exploring options — maybe not a full highway upgrade, but expanding overtaking lanes. Some already exist; we may increase the number. "Based on the report, only then will we know what work we actually need to carry out, whether it's structural or otherwise. Some have said that, considering the age of the road, it is time for structural rehabilitation. "If that's the case, we will act accordingly. The PCA report, which I understand has just been completed, will guide us. If structural repairs are needed, we'll do that or whatever else is required," he said. He said an allocation of RM80 million has also been set aside for 55 scopes of work under the Pavement Periodic Maintenance Programme, aimed at ensuring the route remains in good condition. "Work order approvals will be issued once the scope of work is finalised based on the PCA report, which is currently being prepared," he added. Additionally, said Nanta, RM3.58 million has been allocated for street light and traffic light maintenance, which includes installation of solar-power street lights. He added that solar-powered lighting will also be installed at the site of the tragedy and the works are scheduled to begin in July. "These works are currently in the procurement process by the Perak Public Works Department and are expected to be completed by the end of October this year," he said. The ministry, he said, guarantees that all allocated funds will be utilised efficiently to ensure effective and successful maintenance works on the highway. When asked about the state government's proposal to build an alternative route connecting Gerik to Jeli, Nanta said it was feasible, and the ministry welcomes such initiatives. "They should've been considered long ago, but perhaps we didn't have the capacity then. Now, the time might be right. "As for new alternatives from Kelantan, we already have that included in the National Highway Network Master Plan 2030. "Cost estimates are difficult to determine this early due to inflation, but the network has been planned. Discussions will continue," he said. On June 9, Nanta announced that the crash site was among the sections of the highway identified for upgrades this year, with an allocation of RM55 million. He had said various initiatives have been undertaken since 2023 to improve the Gerik-Jeli route, especially along Federal Route FT04. Yesterday, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad had said proposals to build a new highway or alternative route to address the increasing frequency of accidents along the highway would be submitted to the federal government.
New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- New Straits Times
No potholes, signage intact at site of fatal UPSI bus crash
IPOH: The road surface and safety features at Km53 of the East-West Highway, the site of a tragic crash that killed 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students, were found to be in good condition, with no potholes or missing road signs. Perak Public Works Department director Ir Zamri Mat Kasim said inspections confirmed that all essential road safety elements, such as guardrails, chevron signs and signboards, were properly installed and well maintained. "In our latest site inspection, we found the road surface to be in good condition, with no potholes. "Road safety elements such as guardrails, chevrons, and signboards are all intact," he said when contacted today. It was reported yesterday that 15 UPSI students were killed in a tragic crash involving a bus ferrying students and a Perodua Alza along the East-West Highway near Gerik. He added that a total of 385 solar-powered streetlights would soon be installed along the stretch of road to further improve visibility and safety. "We have already completed the tender process for these lights, and we expect to award the installation contract by July," he said. He also said poor visibility due to darkness was not identified as the main cause of the accident. "According to the preliminary police report, the accident was caused by the bus driver's excessive speed, which was deemed unreasonable," he said. Zamri added that funds had been allocated to resurface the road and repaint road markings in the affected area to further enhance safety. "Forensic officers from the Public Works Department headquarters are currently at the site conducting a detailed study and preparing a full report," he said. It was reported that Federal Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri had said that the driver of the bus had a record of 18 traffic summonses. Mohd Yusri said checks on the driver's record showed that 13 summonses were for speeding, one for an accident-related offence, three for not wearing a seatbelt, and one for a faulty third brake light.
Barnama
29-04-2025
- General
- Barnama
New Bailey Bridge At Sungai Liat Opens Today
TANJONG MALIM, April 29 (Bernama) -- The Bailey Bridge, which was built to temporarily replace the Sungai Liat Bridge in Felda Sungai Klah which collapsed on April 20 and leaving hundreds stranded, was opened for traffic at 6 pm today. State Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said the 42.6-metre long single-lane Bailey bridge was opened in one direction to all vehicles with a permitted load limit of not more than 20 tonnes. He said the installation work for the Bailey bridge was carried out on April 23 and was completed in quick time last Sunday (April 27). "Construction work of the temporary (Bailey Bridge), which is a crucial route linking Felda Sungai Klah and Felda Residence Hotspring as well as Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Tisong, has been fully completed. "Hence, motorists and other road users can use the (new bridge) route but should heed instructions and signage when passing through," he said when flagging off traffic at the opening ceremony of the Bailey Bridge at Sungai Liat which was opened to the public from today. The collapse of the Sungai Liat Bridge (culvert failure due to current surge and debris) had cut off access and exit routes connecting Felda Residence Hotspring, Kampung Tisong (which has 500 orang asli) and Buyong Mas Sanctuary Campsite, which left 136 people, including 81 students from a polytechnic in the three areas involved, stranded. On a separate matter, Mohammad Nizar said the Perak Public Works Department (JKR) has managed to distribute 137 maintenance projects involving a total cost of RM15.285 million, mainly maintenance work involved roads, street lights and traffic lights. "We implemented an online draw lot system to (tender) all 137 projects from the state allocation involving 104 civil works and 33 electrical works. "We hope all 137 contractors who have been appointed will be able to complete the work according to the specifications, cost and time period set," he said.
