BINTULU: Federal roads across Sarawak will undergo a Pavement Condition Assessment (PCA) next year to provide a clearer picture of their condition and maintenance needs.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the assessment would allow the ministry to examine road conditions in greater detail before determining the necessary maintenance or upgrading works.
“We will carry out a PCA to understand in greater detail the condition of the road.
“Not only here, but we will also do this for federal roads throughout Sarawak next year,” he said.
He disclosed the plan during a site visit to Federal Route FT803 (Bintulu-Bakun Road) here, where ongoing pavement works and the condition of the ageing road were inspected today (Sept 22).
Nanta said the 128.46-kilometre road has been in use for more than 30 years and now requires greater attention due to its deteriorating condition.
He said heavy vehicles remain a common sight along the route as it supports economic activities, particularly oil palm plantations and logging.
“We cannot prohibit heavy vehicles from using this road because there is no other road.
“This is an economic activity, which is why we need to look at upgrading the road,” he said.
Nanta said the ministry was aware that further improvements were needed, despite maintenance allocations for the route having increased in recent years.
He said the concerns were also frequently raised by local elected representatives, while ministry officials have made repeated visits to assess the situation.
“This is my third time here, if I remember correctly. The secretary-general has also been here and other officers have come down frequently.
“We know there is a need to upgrade it, or at least carry out repair works under our maintenance programme,” he added.
In a statement, the Works Ministry said RM28.10 million has been approved this year for periodic pavement maintenance covering 11 kilometres of the route.
This marks a substantial increase from RM6 million for three kilometres in 2023, with allocations rising to RM14.20 million for 5.64 kilometres in 2024 and RM14.70 million for six kilometres last year.
The ministry said maintenance efforts have also focused on providing more durable repairs to sections affected by frequent heavy vehicle movements, particularly lorries carrying timber and other commodities.
These include Cold In-Situ Recycling (CIPR), road base strengthening and resurfacing works.
