Latest news with #JKR
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Uggah: JKR retirees laid the foundation for Sarawak's growth
Uggah (sixth left) presents a certificate to one of the JKR retirees during the event last night. BINTULU (July 22): The contributions of Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak retirees will always be valued as they played a vital role in the successful completion of many development projects in the state, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. Speaking at the JKR Sarawak 2025 Appreciation Night held at the Grand Millennium Ballroom, Parkcity Everly Hotel Bintulu yesterday (July 21), Uggah underscored the lasting impact of the retirees' efforts. 'Though they have retired, it does not mean they are disconnected from their professional legacy. Their ideas and expertise are still relevant and very much needed in the construction sector that continues to shape the development of Sarawak as we see today,' he said. He noted that every retiree contributed meaningfully in their areas of responsibility, serving with full commitment and integrity. Uggah also urged current JKR staff to emulate the dedication and strong work ethic of their predecessors. 'The excellence demonstrated by former JKR personnel sets a high benchmark, and it is vital for current staff to uphold and continue this legacy of distinction,' he said. He emphasised that the construction sector remains a key pillar of Sarawak's development, offering both opportunities and challenges for JKR ahead. 'Therefore, JKR's proven track record of excellence must be preserved and continually enhanced to further empower the construction sector in our state,' Uggah said. development projects douglas uggah embas jkr sarawak retiree
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
JKR Sarawak urges stronger teamwork at Engineers Conference
Dr Cassidy in a group photo with senior JKR Sarawak officers and divisional engineers. BINTULU (July 22): Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) director Dr Cassidy Morris has called on all divisional engineering teams to maintain a strong spirit of teamwork and alignment in their operations. 'Only through unity and coordinated effort can we ensure the continued success and excellence of JKR Sarawak as a whole,' he said during the closing ceremony of the 22nd Divisional Engineers Conference in Bintulu yesterday (July 21). He noted that this was the first conference since JKR Sarawak was officially recognised as the technical agency of the Sarawak government. 'This recognition comes with greater responsibility and expectations,' said Dr Cassidy according to a post on JKR Sarawak official Facebook page. The conference gathered engineers from all divisions to discuss strategic directions, technical improvements, and coordination efforts to advance the state's infrastructure development. A technical session on the Divisional Manual of Instruction (DMOI) was also held to enhance understanding and implementation of technical directives at the divisional level. Earlier, Dr Cassidy chaired an engagement session with Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) implementing officers to gather direct feedback from the ground. JKR Sarawak Deputy Director of Services Meehan Jorai expressed gratitude for the successful organisation of the conference. 'The discussions resulted in 60 resolutions focused on three core areas namely process improvement, human resource needs, and project implementation,' he said. Meehan also highlighted that a shared direction had been agreed upon, and extended his appreciation to all senior assistant directors for their meaningful contributions. The 23rd Divisional Engineers Conference will be hosted by the Sibu Divisional JKR. Bintulu Engineers Conference jkr sarawak
Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Sinar Daily
East-West Highway in good condition, safe for users
KOTA BHARU - The horrific accident that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students on June 9 has turned the East-West Highway (JRTB) into a focal point for people across the country, with many describing the over 40-year-old highway as one of the most challenging roads they have ever travelled on. The narrow, winding road is often criticised for its many hazards, including the absence of warning signs, faded road markings, poor street lighting and the added danger of wandering wildlife. According to police statistics, 3.14 million road accidents - an average of 1,720 a day - were recorded nationwide over five years from 2019. However, experts have made it clear that road conditions and infrastructure are not entirely to be blamed for crashes. According to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, more than 80 percent of road accidents are caused by human behaviour, while infrastructure and road conditions account for only 13 percent. Highlighting the fact that only 13 percent of accidents are due to road and infrastructure conditions, the Works Ministry, via its social media platforms, stressed that it has never neglected the maintenance of roads and infrastructure under its jurisdiction. The ministry said the Public Works Department (JKR) is responsible for maintaining approximately 15,000 kilometres (km) of federal roads all over Peninsular Malaysia. Between 2023 and May 9 this year, the ministry spent a total of RM5.49 billion on the maintenance of federal roads. JRTB STILL SAFE FOR USE In the context of JRTB - which connects Gerik, Perak, in the west to Jeli, Kelantan, in the east - it is part of Federal Route 4 (FT4), with a total length of 292.39 km, covering 61.78 km in Kedah, 114.66 km in Perak and another 115.95 km in Kelantan. According to Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, based on the latest traffic census in 2024, the two-lane single carriageway remains at a good level of service, with its current configuration able to accommodate present traffic volume. "Physically, the JRTB is in good condition and safe for use,' he told Bernama in a statement recently, adding the road is classified as hilly terrain, with its alignment designed to follow the contours and topography of the Titiwangsa mountain range. (The minister's statement was in response to questions submitted by Bernama, following two special reports related to JRTB published by the news agency in June.) Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. Bernama FILE PIX Nanta said the highway, which was opened to the public on July 1, 1982, observed a daily traffic volume of 2,409 vehicles, including 751 heavy vehicles which make up 31.2 percent. Acknowledging that the high number of heavy vehicles warrants the construction of an overtaking or climbing lane, the minister said in addition to routine, periodic and non-periodic maintenance, JKR - through its appointed concession company - also carries out repairs along FT4 as needed, such as pothole patching, which must be completed within 24 hours once detected or reported. SHORT, LONG-TERM PLANS Taking into account the government's budget constraints and the current financial capacity, Nanta said his ministry has formulated both short- and long-term plans to ensure that maintenance and upgrades of JRTB can be carried out in phases and a high-impact and sustainable manner. He said a special allocation has been set aside under the national budget for upgrading JRTB, with key priorities including road lighting, resurfacing and improvements to safety systems, particularly in high-risk areas. "For the short-term plan in 2025, a total of RM55 million has been allocated for repair works along JRTB and implementation began in April, with completion expected by early November this year. "Of that amount, RM35 million was approved for road resurfacing works at critical locations, while RM14.5 million is allocated for non-pavement works such as the replacement of guardrails, installation of warning signs at dangerous bends, construction of drains and repainting of bridge railings,' he said. He added that RM3.59 million has been allocated for upgrading the lighting system through the installation of solar-powered street lights in dark or high-risk areas, such as sharp bends and zones near residential areas. "Apart from that, RM1 million has been set aside for the implementation of a pavement condition assessment along the entire FT4 section in Perak. "The data gathered from the assessment will serve as the basis for determining the actual extent of damage, the appropriate pavement treatment and the prioritisation of locations requiring repair,' he said. SMART TECHNOLOGY Meanwhile, JKR director-general Datuk Roslan Ismail, in the same statement, said the department has identified 16 accident-prone spots along JRTB since 2018. To address this, JKR has implemented the blackspot treatment programme under its Road Safety Infrastructure Upgrade initiative, based on the principle of low-cost, high-impact. "Under this principle, if the treatment method applied is appropriate for the type of accident occurring, the accident rate at that location (blackspot) can be reduced at a relatively low cost,' he said. Based on analyses, he said, common issues at most of the treated blackspots include dilapidated and insufficient signage; faded road markings; inadequate lighting and delineation at night; limited visibility due to winding road geometry; and damaged road surfaces. To improve monitoring efficiency along FT4, particularly the Baling-Jeli stretch, Roslan said JKR, through its appointed concession company, is employing smart technology specifically developed to support federal road maintenance through digital and automated systems. One of the core smart functions of the application involves the automatic detection of potholes using cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) technology installed on patrol vehicles such as motorcycles or four-wheel drive vehicles. "This system works by capturing images of the road surface during daily patrols, with AI detecting potholes based on irregular patterns, shapes and textures. "Once a pothole is detected, the location of the damage is automatically recorded using GPS and transmitted to the application for verification by patrol officers. "After verification, the system will automatically issue a work order to the patching subcontractor concerned, who will receive complete location details through the app, including images and coordinates, and carry out repairs accordingly,' he said. Roslan added that this method significantly reduces detection and information delivery time compared to the previous manual process. It not only speeds up repair works but also improves data accuracy, reduces reliance on written reports and streamlines the work monitoring system. "The technology reflects a 'digital-first' approach in road maintenance management, in line with the ministry and JKR's objective to expand the use of smart systems and automation in public infrastructure maintenance,' he added. SHARED RESPONSIBILITY Roslan also said that for the long-term plan to upgrade JRTB, the department has submitted a new proposal under the First Rolling Plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030), with priority given to the most critical sections, specifically the 114.66-km stretch in Gerik, Perak, and 46.5-km section in Jeli, Kelantan. "Proposed scopes include building overtaking or climbing lanes at selected locations, renewing road markings and upgrading culverts,' he said, adding there are also long-term proposals involving comprehensive and high-cost works such as realignment at dangerous bends along the road, upgrading existing road safety facilities, and building wildlife crossings. Meanwhile, Nanta urged the public to support road maintenance initiatives by providing constructive feedback to improve service quality, stressing that safe and quality road infrastructure is a shared responsibility that begins with user awareness and care. "My main advice to the public is to obey speed limits and all road regulations. Heavy vehicles, in particular, are advised to use designated routes as using regular roads can accelerate road surface deterioration. "In addition, users are encouraged to report any road damage or hazard, such as potholes, landslides or damaged signboards, to the authorities so that immediate action can be taken,' he said. - BERNAMA
The Star
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
East-West Highway safe for users, says Works Minister
KOTA BHARU: The horrific accident that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students on June 9 has turned the East-West Highway (JRTB) into a focal point for people across the country. Many have said that the over 40-year-old highway is one of the most challenging roads they have ever travelled on. The narrow, winding road is often criticised for its many hazards, including the absence of warning signs, faded road markings, poor street lighting and the added danger of wandering wildlife. According to police statistics, 3.14 million road accidents - an average of 1,720 a day - were recorded nationwide over five years from 2019. However, experts have made it clear that road conditions and infrastructure are not entirely to be blamed for crashes. According to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, more than 80% of road accidents are caused by human behaviour, while infrastructure and road conditions account for only 13 percent. Highlighting the fact that only 13 percent of accidents are due to road and infrastructure conditions, the Works Ministry has said via its social media platforms that it has never neglected the maintenance of roads and infrastructure under its jurisdiction. The ministry said the Public Works Department (JKR) is responsible for maintaining approximately 15,000 kilometres (km) of federal roads all over Peninsular Malaysia. Between 2023 and May 9 this year, the ministry spent a total of RM5.49 billion on the maintenance of federal roads. In the context of JRTB - which connects Gerik, Perak, in the west to Jeli, Kelantan, in the east - it is part of Federal Route 4 (FT4), with a total length of 292.39 km, covering 61.78 km in Kedah, 114.66 km in Perak and another 115.95 km in Kelantan. According to Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, based on the latest traffic census in 2024, the two-lane single carriageway remains at a good level of service, with its current configuration able to accommodate present traffic volume. "Physically, the JRTB is in good condition and safe for use,' he told Bernama in a statement recently, adding the road is classified as hilly terrain, with its alignment designed to follow the contours and topography of the Titiwangsa mountain range. The minister's statement was in response to questions submitted by Bernama, following two special reports related to JRTB published by the news agency in June. Nanta said the highway, which was opened to the public on July 1, 1982, observed a daily traffic volume of 2,409 vehicles, including 751 heavy vehicles which make up 31.2%. Acknowledging that the high number of heavy vehicles warrants the construction of an overtaking or climbing lane, the minister said in addition to routine, periodic and non-periodic maintenance, JKR - through its appointed concession company - also carries out repairs along FT4 as needed, such as pothole patching, which must be completed within 24 hours once detected or reported. Taking into account the government's budget constraints and the current financial capacity, Nanta said his ministry has formulated both short- and long-term plans to ensure that maintenance and upgrades of JRTB can be carried out in phases and a high-impact and sustainable manner. He said a special allocation has been set aside under the national budget for upgrading JRTB, with key priorities including road lighting, resurfacing and improvements to safety systems, particularly in high-risk areas. "For the short-term plan in 2025, a total of RM55mil has been allocated for repair works along JRTB, and implementation began in April, with completion expected by early November this year. "Of that amount, RM35mil was approved for road resurfacing works at critical locations, while RM14.5milis allocated for non-pavement works such as the replacement of guardrails, installation of warning signs at dangerous bends, construction of drains and repainting of bridge railings,' he said. He added that RM3.59mil has been allocated for upgrading the lighting system through the installation of solar-powered street lights in dark or high-risk areas, such as sharp bends and zones near residential areas. "Apart from that, RM1mil has been set aside for the implementation of a pavement condition assessment along the entire FT4 section in Perak. "The data gathered from the assessment will serve as the basis for determining the actual extent of damage, the appropriate pavement treatment and the prioritisation of locations requiring repair,' he said. Meanwhile, JKR director-general Datuk Roslan Ismail, in the same statement, said the department has identified 16 accident-prone spots along JRTB since 2018. To address this, JKR has implemented the blackspot treatment programme under its Road Safety Infrastructure Upgrade initiative, based on the principle of low-cost, high-impact. "Under this principle, if the treatment method applied is appropriate for the type of accident occurring, the accident rate at that location (blackspot) can be reduced at a relatively low cost,' he said. Based on analyses, he said, common issues at most of the treated blackspots include dilapidated and insufficient signage; faded road markings; inadequate lighting and delineation at night; limited visibility due to winding road geometry; and damaged road surfaces. To improve monitoring efficiency along FT4, particularly the Baling-Jeli stretch, Roslan said JKR, through its appointed concession company, is employing smart technology specifically developed to support federal road maintenance through digital and automated systems. One of the core smart functions of the application involves the automatic detection of potholes using cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) technology installed on patrol vehicles such as motorcycles or four-wheel drive vehicles. "This system works by capturing images of the road surface during daily patrols, with AI detecting potholes based on irregular patterns, shapes and textures. "Once a pothole is detected, the location of the damage is automatically recorded using GPS and transmitted to the application for verification by patrol officers. "After verification, the system will automatically issue a work order to the patching subcontractor concerned, who will receive complete location details through the app, including images and coordinates, and carry out repairs accordingly,' he said. Roslan added that this method significantly reduces detection and information delivery time compared to the previous manual process. It not only speeds up repair works but also improves data accuracy, reduces reliance on written reports and streamlines the work monitoring system. "The technology reflects a 'digital-first' approach in road maintenance management, in line with the ministry and JKR's objective to expand the use of smart systems and automation in public infrastructure maintenance,' he added. Roslan also said that for the long-term plan to upgrade JRTB, the department has submitted a new proposal under the First Rolling Plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030), with priority given to the most critical sections, specifically the 114.66-km stretch in Gerik, Perak, and 46.5-km section in Jeli, Kelantan. "Proposed scopes include building overtaking or climbing lanes at selected locations, renewing road markings and upgrading culverts,' he said, adding there are also long-term proposals involving comprehensive and high-cost works such as realignment at dangerous bends along the road, upgrading existing road safety facilities, and building wildlife crossings. Meanwhile, Nanta urged the public to support road maintenance initiatives by providing constructive feedback to improve service quality, stressing that safe and quality road infrastructure is a shared responsibility that begins with user awareness and care. "My main advice to the public is to obey speed limits and all road regulations. Heavy vehicles, in particular, are advised to use designated routes as using regular roads can accelerate road surface deterioration. "In addition, users are encouraged to report any road damage or hazard, such as potholes, landslides or damaged signboards, to the authorities so that immediate action can be taken,' he said. - Bernama -
The Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
East-West Highway in good condition, safe for users
KOTA BHARU: The horrific accident that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students on June 9 has turned the East-West Highway (JRTB) into a focal point for people across the country, with many describing the over 40-year-old highway as one of the most challenging roads they have ever travelled on. The narrow, winding road is often criticised for its many hazards, including the absence of warning signs, faded road markings, poor street lighting and the added danger of wandering wildlife. According to police statistics, 3.14 million road accidents – an average of 1,720 a day – were recorded nationwide over five years from 2019. However, experts have made it clear that road conditions and infrastructure are not entirely to be blamed for crashes. According to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, more than 80 percent of road accidents are caused by human behaviour, while infrastructure and road conditions account for only 13 percent. Highlighting the fact that only 13 percent of accidents are due to road and infrastructure conditions, the Ministry of Works, via its social media platforms, stressed that it has never neglected the maintenance of roads and infrastructure under its jurisdiction. The ministry said the Public Works Department (JKR) is responsible for maintaining approximately 15,000 kilometres (km) of federal roads all over Peninsular Malaysia. Between 2023 and May 9 this year, the ministry spent a total of RM5.49 billion on the maintenance of federal roads. JRTB STILL SAFE FOR USE In the context of JRTB – which connects Gerik, Perak, in the west to Jeli, Kelantan, in the east – it is part of Federal Route 4 (FT4), with a total length of 292.39 km, covering 61.78 km in Kedah, 114.66 km in Perak and another 115.95 km in Kelantan. According to Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, based on the latest traffic census in 2024, the two-lane single carriageway remains at a good level of service, with its current configuration able to accommodate present traffic volume. 'Physically, the JRTB is in good condition and safe for use,' he told Bernama in a statement recently, adding the road is classified as hilly terrain, with its alignment designed to follow the contours and topography of the Titiwangsa mountain range. (The minister's statement was in response to questions submitted by Bernama, following two special reports related to JRTB published by the news agency in June.) Nanta said the highway, which was opened to the public on July 1, 1982, observed a daily traffic volume of 2,409 vehicles, including 751 heavy vehicles which make up 31.2 percent. Acknowledging that the high number of heavy vehicles warrants the construction of an overtaking or climbing lane, the minister said in addition to routine, periodic and non-periodic maintenance, JKR – through its appointed concession company – also carries out repairs along FT4 as needed, such as pothole patching, which must be completed within 24 hours once detected or reported. SHORT, LONG-TERM PLANS Taking into account the government's budget constraints and the current financial capacity, Nanta said his ministry has formulated both short- and long-term plans to ensure that maintenance and upgrades of JRTB can be carried out in phases and a high-impact and sustainable manner. He said a special allocation has been set aside under the national budget for upgrading JRTB, with key priorities including road lighting, resurfacing and improvements to safety systems, particularly in high-risk areas. 'For the short-term plan in 2025, a total of RM55 million has been allocated for repair works along JRTB, and implementation began in April, with completion expected by early November this year. 'Of that amount, RM35 million was approved for road resurfacing works at critical locations, while RM14.5 million is allocated for non-pavement works such as the replacement of guardrails, installation of warning signs at dangerous bends, construction of drains and repainting of bridge railings,' he said. He added that RM3.59 million has been allocated for upgrading the lighting system through the installation of solar-powered street lights in dark or high-risk areas, such as sharp bends and zones near residential areas. 'Apart from that, RM1 million has been set aside for the implementation of a pavement condition assessment along the entire FT4 section in Perak. 'The data gathered from the assessment will serve as the basis for determining the actual extent of damage, the appropriate pavement treatment and the prioritisation of locations requiring repair,' he said. SMART TECHNOLOGY Meanwhile, JKR director-general Datuk Roslan Ismail, in the same statement, said the department has identified 16 accident-prone spots along JRTB since 2018. To address this, JKR has implemented the blackspot treatment programme under its Road Safety Infrastructure Upgrade initiative, based on the principle of low-cost, high-impact. 'Under this principle, if the treatment method applied is appropriate for the type of accident occurring, the accident rate at that location (blackspot) can be reduced at a relatively low cost,' he said. Based on analyses, he said, common issues at most of the treated blackspots include dilapidated and insufficient signage; faded road markings; inadequate lighting and delineation at night; limited visibility due to winding road geometry; and damaged road surfaces. To improve monitoring efficiency along FT4, particularly the Baling–Jeli stretch, Roslan said JKR, through its appointed concession company, is employing smart technology specifically developed to support federal road maintenance through digital and automated systems. One of the core smart functions of the application involves the automatic detection of potholes using cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) technology installed on patrol vehicles such as motorcycles or four-wheel drive vehicles. 'This system works by capturing images of the road surface during daily patrols, with AI detecting potholes based on irregular patterns, shapes and textures. 'Once a pothole is detected, the location of the damage is automatically recorded using GPS and transmitted to the application for verification by patrol officers. 'After verification, the system will automatically issue a work order to the patching subcontractor concerned, who will receive complete location details through the app, including images and coordinates, and carry out repairs accordingly,' he said. Roslan added that this method significantly reduces detection and information delivery time compared to the previous manual process. It not only speeds up repair works but also improves data accuracy, reduces reliance on written reports and streamlines the work monitoring system. 'The technology reflects a 'digital-first' approach in road maintenance management, in line with the ministry and JKR's objective to expand the use of smart systems and automation in public infrastructure maintenance,' he added. SHARED RESPONSIBILITY Roslan also said that for the long-term plan to upgrade JRTB, the department has submitted a new proposal under the First Rolling Plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026-2030), with priority given to the most critical sections, specifically the 114.66-km stretch in Gerik, Perak, and 46.5-km section in Jeli, Kelantan. 'Proposed scopes include building overtaking or climbing lanes at selected locations, renewing road markings and upgrading culverts,' he said, adding there are also long-term proposals involving comprehensive and high-cost works such as realignment at dangerous bends along the road, upgrading existing road safety facilities, and building wildlife crossings. Meanwhile, Nanta urged the public to support road maintenance initiatives by providing constructive feedback to improve service quality, stressing that safe and quality road infrastructure is a shared responsibility that begins with user awareness and care. 'My main advice to the public is to obey speed limits and all road regulations. Heavy vehicles, in particular, are advised to use designated routes as using regular roads can accelerate road surface deterioration. 'In addition, users are encouraged to report any road damage or hazard, such as potholes, landslides or damaged signboards, to the authorities so that immediate action can be taken,' he said. - Bernama
