BY ASYRAF HALIM
KUCHING: The Ministry of Works has allocated RM200 million for the maintenance of federal roads in Sarawak in 2026 compared to the RM50 million allocated last year.
Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the allocation covers the implementation of 141 maintenance works, comprising 95 Periodic Pavement Maintenance projects and 46 Non-Pavement Periodic Maintenance projects across the state.
According to him, the significant increase in allocation reflects the Madani government’s commitment to continuously improving road infrastructure in Sarawak to ensure the safety and comfort of road users, while also empowering local small-scale contractors.
“In 2024 and 2025, Sarawak and Sabah each received only RM50 million.
“However, in 2026, both states will receive RM200 million each, an increase of 300 per cent,” he said.
He said this at the balloting ceremony for federal road maintenance work offers in Sarawak for 2026, at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre today.
Nanta added that in Sarawak, the maintenance works will be implemented through concessionaire DAL HCM Sdn Bhd, with a total value of RM200 million.
“Of this amount, RM174.6 million is allocated for Periodic Pavement Maintenance works, while RM25.4 million is for Non-Pavement Periodic Maintenance works,” he explained.
He said the allocation would also greatly benefit bumiputera contractors in grades G1 to G4, in line with the agenda to empower local small-scale contractors.
He added that a total of 385 contractors who met the registration criteria of the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB), performance records and ownership of Bumiputera Status Certification (STB) participated in the balloting process, which was conducted transparently by the Balloting Committee (JCU).
“The project breakdown involves four projects for G1 contractors, 25 for G2, 47 for G3 and 65 for G4, based on actual requirements on the ground.
“For the G4 category, out of 67 companies that registered, 65 successfully secured projects, almost 100 per cent.
“This shows the wide opportunities provided to local contractors,” he said.
He said the allocation of projects was determined based on actual road maintenance needs and not done arbitrarily.
In this regard, he said the increase in allocation also dismisses the perception that Sarawak and Sabah are sidelined in terms of infrastructure development.
“I am personally proud to have secured a substantial allocation for both states.
“This proves that the Madani government remains attentive to the needs of the people in Sarawak and Sabah,” he said.
