KUCHING: A RM5.8-million project to fix street lighting vandalised repeatedly along Lebuhraya Pehin Sri Haji Adenan Haji Satem has been handed over for implementation today.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, said vandalism of public infrastructure remained a persistent, cross-agency problem in Sarawak, affecting not just street lighting but utilities operated by SEB, Sarawak Water and telecommunications providers.
“This is roughly the fifth time lighting has had to be reinstalled along this road due to vandalism,” he said, calling for closer cooperation between agencies, local communities and JKKK committees to monitor and report suspicious activity.
The project covers the Petra Jaya-Rambungan route, particularly Matang section, and includes construction of 11kV overhead lines with six 50kVA transformers, along with underground cabling, mini pillars and control boxes.
A total of 794 units of 120W LED street lights will be installed to improve visibility along the stretch, which is scheduled for completion by June 16, 2027.
Also present was Tupong assemblyman, ‰Datuk Fazzruddin Abdul Rahman, who said the road served both as a main route and an alternative to Jalan Matang, with usage rising alongside nearby housing development.
He said past lighting installations had repeatedly been stolen or vandalised despite repairs, and urged residents to help monitor the area once the project is completed.
“We hope that with more road users, there will be less opportunity for vandalism to happen again,” he said, adding that public cooperation remained essential to sustaining infrastructure long-term.
The Public Works Department (PWD} ) held a handover ceremony appointing Arena Megasuria Sdn Bhd as contractor for the project, witnessed by Dr Abdul Rahman and Fazzruddin.
Perunding Teknikal Consult Sdn Bhd was appointed project consultant, with PWD Kuching Division acting as superintending officer.
