KUCHING: The federal government has been urged to revise and increase allocations under the Malaysian Road Records Information System (MARRIS), particularly for Sarawak to better meet the state’s growing maintenance and infrastructure needs.
Batu Lintang state assemblyman, See Chee How, highlighted that Sarawak received only RM435 million in 2025, less than 8 per cent of the total RM5.5 billion MARRIS grants allocated nationwide, despite having nearly 16,000 kilometres of state roads under local authority and agency jurisdiction.
“MARRIS funding must be expanded to cover essential works such as drainage and footpaths in residential back lanes, which are currently left out of the permitted scope,” he said, emphasising the need for periodic maintenance to prevent recurring damage and flooding.
MARRIS grants, managed under Article 109(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution, provide funding for state road repair and maintenance, including bridges, culverts, slopes, retaining walls, road furniture and landscape upkeep.
Recent guidelines allow up to 20 per cent of funds to be used for out-of-scope works such as flood-damaged infrastructure.
To complement federal support, the Sarawak Government has implemented Rural Transformation Projects (RTP) to repair and reconstruct drainage and pedestrian walkways in residential estates.
On Monday, See handed over three RTP project sites to contractors, with a total cost of RM1,021,415.69.
The projects cover the repair and rehabilitation of drainage systems and pedestrian walkways at Lorong Laman Bong Chin 7 (RM175,799.99), Lorong Laksamana Cheng Ho 2A & 2A1 (RM347,515.70) and Lorong Bayor Bukit 2 & 4 (RM498,100.00).
“These projects are crucial for flood mitigation, improving water flow and enhancing pedestrian safety,” See said, adding that more applications for drainage and walkway projects in Batu Lintang will be announced as they are approved.
Also present were Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, Deputy Mayor Datuk Zaiedi Suhaili, community leaders and local residents.
