Latest news with #SriAlexanderNantaLinggi
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Pan Borneo Highway a shared asset, minister reminds fellow Sarawakians
Members of the local community take part in a clean-up party. BINTULU (Aug 19): The multi-billion ringgit Pan Borneo Highway project, funded by the government and meant to be enjoyed toll-free by Sarawakians, must be safeguarded as a shared asset. In giving this reminder, Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi regarded the development as 'more than just a highway'. 'It is the backbone of development, the link between towns and the rural areas, and the bridge that unites our people. 'It opens doors to jobs, education, healthcare and economic growth. 'In Peninsular Malaysia, people pay tolls to use the highways, but here in Sarawak, we enjoy it toll-free. 'This is a huge blessing, but it also means that we carry a greater responsibility of taking care of it,' he said this in officiating at the launch of 'Jum Jaga Pan Borneo Bait-bait' campaign, at a P-turn section of the Pan Borneo Highway here yesterday. Having said this, the Kapit MP also expressed disappointment over irresponsible littering along certain stretches of the highway, particularly at the P-turns and pedestrian bridges, where discarded plastics, bottles, tyres, food waste and even mattresses had been found. Nanta (second left) met by reporters after launching the campaign. 'This is very sad. Littering not only spoils the view and creates bad smell, but also threatens road safety. 'We must be honest with ourselves – throwing rubbish everywhere is not just against the law, it shows a lack of discipline. 'If we don't take care of Sarawak, who will?' He also pointed out cleanliness as 'being a reflection of the image of Sarawak to outsiders'. 'Imagine the foreign tourists passing the Pan Borneo and seeing rubbish scattered along the road. 'What impression would they have of us? 'Do we want to be known as a state with modern highways, but with dirty surroundings?' In this regard, he said the 'Jum Jaga Pan Borneo Bait-bait' campaign comprised various initiatives including 'gotong-royong' (work party), awareness talks, programmes at schools, engagements with community leaders, and also media outreach. 'Among them is the 'Jejantas Angkat' programme, which involves three schools adopting their respective nearby pedestrian bridges, where they would maintain the cleanliness with support from Pan Borneo Highway Asset Management Sdn Bhd, under its CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiative.' Nanta also said more rubbish bins would be provided along the highway but in this regard, he also warned the public about stricter enforcement and fines to be imposed upon those found to be dumping rubbish indiscriminately. 'We will continue with education and awareness, but certain firmness is also necessary. 'Only then will our message be effective,' he added. alexander nanta linggi clean-up programme litter pan borneo highway
Borneo Post
23-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Nanta: 46 contractors awarded federal road maintenance projects in Sarawak totalling RM50 mln for 2025
Nanta draws a ballot during today's event. 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
