Latest news with #SarawakPublicWorksDepartment
Borneo Post
28-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak allocates RM42.24 bln for 500 infrastructure projects under 12MP, says Uggah
File photo of the Jepak Bridge in Bintulu. KUCHING (May 28): A total of RM42.24 billion has been allocated by the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) for the implementation of 500 projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. The State Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, the projects comprise 244 under Development Expenditure, 186 categorised as People's Projects (Projek Rakyat), while another 70 are being financed through alternative funding mechanisms. 'The overall breakdown includes approximately 301 road projects valued at RM28.03 billion, 70 bridge projects worth RM5.76 billion, 104 building projects amounting to RM3.68 billion, 23 river infrastructure projects valued at RM4.42 billion, and two airport developments with a combined cost of RM350.82 million,' he added when delivering his winding-up speech during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today. He said as of now, 218 projects have been completed, 122 are under construction, and 160 remain in the pre-contract stage. This marks a notable increase of 15 completed projects and 24 new projects that have entered the construction phase since the last DUN sitting, he said. He also said the progress reflects the Sarawak government's strong commitment to delivering foundational infrastructure to drive economic growth and improve the well-being of its people. He also highlighted the government's emphasis on bridge construction to enhance connectivity, particularly in rural and remote areas of the state. 'To support this initiative, a total of RM4.97 billion has been allocated for the construction of 16 major bridges across Sarawak,' he said. Five of these bridges have already been completed and opened to the public, namely the Marudi Bridge, Muara Lassa Bridge, Bintulu Jepak Bridge, Batang Rajang Bridge which is now known as Jambatan Tun Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Haji Bujang Bin Tuanku Haji Othman and Batang Saribas Bridge, which opened on 25 May. Another five bridges are expected to be completed by the end of this year. These include the Sungai Lingga Bridge, Batang Kemena (Sebauh) Bridge, Batang Igan Bridge, Sungai Limbang Bridge, and Batang Lupar Bridge. 'The remaining six which are the Batang Paloh Bridge, Batang Lupar Bridge (second phase), Sejingkat Bridge, Batang Krian Bridge, Batang Saribas Bridge (second phase), and Batang Rambungan Bridge, are scheduled for completion by 2026,' he said. Uggah said these bridge projects represent significant progress in strengthening transportation networks and connectivity across the state. 'By 2026, all major bridges are expected to be completed, paving the way for smoother travel across Sarawak,' he said. 12mp douglas uggah DUN infrastructure projects
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Elevated road among JKR Sarawak's key methods to counter peat soil construction challenges
Datuk Aidel Lariwoo KUCHING (May 23): The Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) continues to implement new technologies in constructing roads and bridges across coastal areas with peat soil. Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo said this is to ensure safety, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. In response to a question raised by Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris at the State Legislative Assembly today, Aidel outlined the challenges posed by peat soil, which include low bearing capacity, high long-term compression, and acidic environments that accelerate structural erosion. 'JKR Sarawak constantly evaluates and adopts the latest technologies to ensure that the construction of roads and bridges on peat soil is safe, economical, and environmentally friendly,' he said. Awla had asked whether there are new technologies for constructing roads and bridges in coastal areas that have peat soil. Aidel said one of the key technologies currently in use is the elevated road method, which involves constructing raised road structures using support piles that avoid direct contact with peat soil to help reduce the risk of ground settlement and long-term damage to road surfaces. He cited the road from Batang Samarahan Bridge to Batang Sadong Bridge under Package A1-B, as well as Jalan Teku to Pasai Siong in Sibu as projects applying this method. Another method is the replacement technique, which involves excavating soft peat soil and replacing it with stronger and more stable fill materials such as sand, gravel, or compacted clay to enhance the load-bearing capacity of the road foundation. The displacement method is also used, where heavy fill materials like sand or stone are placed directly on top of soft soil, forcing the weaker soil to move sideways without the need for excavation. This approach improves stability without removing the existing ground. To further stabilise the soil, the preloading and ground improvement method is applied, including the use of prefabricated vertical drains (PVD) combined with surcharge fill to accelerate the natural compression of soft soil. Aidel explained that this combination reduces the time needed for soil compaction and minimises the risk of settlement after construction begins. In addition, the deep soil mixing technique is used to strengthen swampy terrain. This involves mixing cement with the soil using specialised equipment, which forms hardened columns that provide underground structural support. Another advanced material used is Ultra-High-Performance Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Composite (UHPFRC), which is highly resistant to the penetration of chloride and sulphate that commonly degrade conventional concrete. UHPFRC allows for longer bridge spans with slender cross-sections and offers greater resistance to acidic erosion. Aidel said this material has been used in several road and bridge projects, including the road from Batang Sadong Bridge to Batang Lupar 1 Bridge under Package A2; Jalan Sebangan in Samarahan; Jalan Klid Medong Lebarassau in Dalat, Mukah; and the proposed road to Kampung Sungai Ijok in Samarahan. To a supplementary question, Aidel highlighted that elevated roads provide several advantages over conventional methods. They enable routes to be built over rivers, swamps, and densely populated areas, help reduce the need for land acquisition and compensation, and lessen environmental impact due to minimal disturbance of sensitive areas such as peatlands, forests, or riverbanks. He also noted that the use of these new technologies can significantly reduce the need for long-term maintenance. For instance, elevated roads supported by piles are effective in reducing uneven ground settlement and the resulting structural issues. Moreover, technologies like PVD and deep soil mixing contribute to soil stability, which addresses one of the main causes of road deterioration. Aidel also emphasised that under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, the Sarawak government is strongly committed to enhancing safety and quality in rural-urban road connectivity. He said that the integration of new technologies in infrastructure projects plays a crucial role in supporting Sarawak's development. aidel lariwoo elevated road jkr sarawak lead peat soil
Borneo Post
18-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Six honoured with Sarawak Outstanding Worker Award
Abang Johari (centre) and Gerawat on his left in a photo call with the award recipients. — Ukas photo KUCHING (May 18): Six individuals were honoured with the Sarawak Outstanding Worker Award 2025 during the state-level Labour Day celebration held here earlier today. The recipients were recognised across six categories representing both the public and private sectors for their dedication and exemplary service. In the Sarawak Government – Management Category, the award was presented to Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) Quantity Surveying Branch senior assistant director Isabel Sim. For the Sarawak Government – Support Staff Category, Sarawak Premier's Department Human Resource Management and Development Unit general assistant Mohamad Sharif Mohamad Ekbar was recognised. Sarawak State Delevopment Office director Jasni Jubli received the award in the Federal Government – Management Category. Meanwhile, Office of the Federal Secretary of Sarawak office secretary Aidasuraya Bujang Seran was honoured in the Federal Government – Support Staff Category. In the private sector, Leader Steel Sdn Bhd deputy branch manager Tan Hong Kiat was the recipient under the Executive Category, while Amalgamated Batteries Manufacturing (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd warehouse supervisor Eric Kareng was awarded in the Non-Executive Category. Each recipient received RM5,000, along with a plaque and certificate, presented by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the event held at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here. The celebration's organising chairman Datuk Gerawat Gala praised the recipients in his speech. 'As we celebrate Labour Day, let us take a moment to honour the outstanding individuals being recognised at today's (May 17) function. Your hard work, passion, and integrity embody the very best of what Sarawak needs to become a high-income economy. 'Let your achievements be an inspiration to others, especially our younger generation, who will soon take the reins of our economy and society. To them, I say: strive to be outstanding—not for reward, but because your excellence shapes not just your own future but also the future of our beloved Sarawak,' he said. employees Labour Day lead Sarawak Outstanding Worker Award
Borneo Post
16-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier to officially launch RM321.4 mln Batang Rajang Bridge tomorrow
SIBU (May 16): The Batang Rajang Bridge, spanning 1,440 metres at Sungai Pasi in Sarikei and constructed for RM321.4 million, is set to be officially launched tomorrow (May 17) by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at 10am, with Abang Johari expected to deliver an address. 'This bridge is not only a symbol of infrastructure progress, but also serves as a catalyst for connectivity and economic development in surrounding areas,' said the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR), in a Facebook post. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also State Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, performed the pre-launching ceremony on March 27. According to him, the project would reduce the travelling distance from Sarikei to Tanjung Manis from 122km to 53km, as well as cut travelling time from two hours and 30 minutes to just 45 minutes. He added that the bridge would create more economic opportunities by accelerating the movement of goods and agricultural produce from rural areas to wider markets. 'This project is a testament to the Sarawak government's commitment to ensure balanced development between urban and rural areas,' he said during the March pre-launching ceremony. Meanwhile, Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) stated that Abang Johari is also expected to undertake a walkabout, attend a briefing, and officiate the launch of the Tanjung Manis Airport Upgrading Project at 1pm tomorrow.
Borneo Post
23-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
JKR: Tellian bypass road on track for September 2026 completion
The bypass road is ahead of schedule and on track for completion by September next year. – JKR photo MUKAH (April 23): The construction of the Tellian bypass road here is advancing ahead of schedule and on track for completion by September 2026. The Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) said the new road will connect Jalan Mukah-Balingian to the Ulu Tellian-Penakub Bazaar road. 'The project is designed to enhance travel efficiency, improve safety, and support the socioeconomic development of Mukah,' it said in a statement. The statement was issued following a visit to the site by Sarawak JKR director Dr Cassidy Morris on Tuesday to oversee the progress of the project. The 2.66km-long road is being constructed to JKR R3 specifications, featuring a premix-paved surface to accommodate local traffic needs and facilitate the area's growth. 'The achievement of being ahead of schedule is the result of teamwork, discipline, and high commitment. This demonstrates that JKR Sarawak consistently delivers the best for the people,' said Cassidy in the statement. He called on the JKR team to maintain their momentum until the completion of the project, and to deliver top-quality work. completion jkr Tellian bypass road
