Latest news with #WorksMinistry
The Star
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Rain, heavy vehicles key causes behind poor roads
Keen eye: Ahmad Maslan (centre) looking at plans for the Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Bachok campus. — Bernama BACHOK: Rain and overloaded heavy vehicles were the two main causes behind damaged roads in the country, says the Works Ministry. Its deputy minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said RM4bil was required to repair damaged roads in the country, but the ministry has received just under RM2bil due to limitations faced by the government. 'My ministry always hopes that we will get more allocations each year to repair damaged roads as there are those that are 'old' and require re-tarring,' he told reporters after officiating the Bachok Umno division delegates' meeting yesterday, Bernama reported. He revealed that the ministry had previously suggested that any collection made by the Road Transport Department, including road tax and speeding summonses, be handed to the ministry to use for road repairs but the suggestion never received any feedback. On another matter, he said the construction of the Entrepreneurship Faculty Complex at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Bachok campus had fallen behind schedule and had been granted four extensions of time (EOT). He said the fourth EOT would be the final one, adding that the ministry expected the project to be fully completed by October. 'I have informed the contractor and JKR (Public Works Department) that we don't favour EOTs as we prefer AOTs (Ahead of Time). The project is currently 68.9% complete, which means there's about 30% left to be done over the next three months. 'I hope they will implement two work shifts, day and night shifts, with each shift totalling 16 hours by two separate teams to complete on time,' he said. He cited the construction of the Malaysian Armed Forces staff housing in Sabah, which was carried out in three shifts, stressing that the contractor of this project should implement a three-shift system if they have similar capabilities. Ahmad said delays in the project would disadvantage three parties: the students for whom the complex is being built, the government and the contractors themselves. 'The contractor said the monthly cost is RM50,000. They've already fallen behind by several months, so imagine RM50,000 multiplied by those months; that's the financial loss the contractor has to bear,' he added.
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Saturday (June 28, 2025)
Malaysia: * Armed Forces must stay prepared, equipped with latest defence technology, says King * Five Malaysians have chosen to remain in Iran, says Foreign Minister * Works Ministry only gets half the money needed for road repairs nationwide, says Ahmad Maslan * Russia to support Malaysia's nuclear technology development, says Fadillah * Only platform providers can block or take down social media content, says Fahmi * 13th Malaysia Plan revision not done in haste, says Fahmi * Sabah polls: PH, Barisan in final stages of talks, says Umno sec-gen * Ploughing and harvesting incentive payments to be completed by July 31, says Mat Sabu * Sabah leads the way with community-based tourism expo, says state minister * Two college students remanded for three days over bullying case * We want you: Non-bumis urged to join the Armed Forces as participation remains low * Penang4Palestine condemns discovery of oxycodone in flour packets for Gaza * Putra Heights inferno: Findings to be made public on June 30, says Selangor MB * Ringgit to trade firmer against US dollar next week, ahead of US labour data * Storm warning: Thunderstorms, heavy rain expected over nine states, two FTs until 7pm / MetMalaysia issues thunderstorm, heavy rain warning for four states * Malay unity call falls flat - Those asking Malays to come together have been around for decades during which they beat the unity drum when it suited them. Singapore: * Singapore has increased its security posture amid rising tensions from Iran-Israel conflict, says national security minister * 'Super Rich In Korea's' David Yong, accused of multiple offences, allowed to leave Singapore in July * Six endangered fish species found in fish maw from Singapore and Malaysia's stores: Study * Organised crime groups behind in-flight theft cases, says Singapore Police Force * Singapore: Kitten reportedly put in container now adopted, probe underway * Oil prices steadies at the weekend after report of planned OPEC+ August output hike Indonesia: * Indonesian urges safer hiking after tourist death on Mount Rinjanil; Malaysian hiker rescued after suffering injury at same mountain * Women's growing role in drug trade sparks exploitation concerns in Indonesia * Malaysian climber injured in Gunung Rinjani mishap in Indonesia * Malaysia, Indonesia agree Asean unity vital to address global challenges * Anwar, Prabowo, call for broader peace in the Middle East Returning pilgrims receive assistance as they disembark from their aircraft upon arrival at the Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport in Blang Bintang, Aceh province on Saturday, June 28, 2025, after performing the annual Haj pilgrimage. -- Photo by CHAIDEER MAHYUDDIN / AFP Thailand: * Thailand starts banning the sale of cannabis without a prescription * Thai authorities find 620 sacks of cannabis hidden in durian and coconut orchards * Thai PM Paetongtarn faces more heat as thousands of protesters on Saturday demand her resignation over disastrous phone call * Thai protesters call for Prime Minister Paetongtarn's resignation * Thailand to hold trade talks with US next week Philippines: * Philippine prosecutors ask Senate to proceed with Duterte trial; case must go on due to severity of charges * Rising tennis star Eala makes history for Philippines by reaching Eastbourne final * China says Philippines face 'self-inflicted destruction' by hosting US missiles * 6.1-magnitude offshore earthquake hits southern Philippines * Bank on Manila banks -- The Philippine banking sector is on track for solid growth Vietnam: * Former English football star Michael Owen scores twice in Manchester United Legends win against Vietnam * SAR ops saved over 1,000 lives at sea nationwide in 2024, says MMEA * Vietnam Airlines suspends pilots after planes collide at Hanoi airport * UK joins Asean talks on transnational crime for the first time * Vietnam approves resolution to establish international financial centres; move more appealing to international investors Australia's Maya Joint poses with the trophy after beating Philippines' Alexandra Eala in their women's singles final tennis match on day six of the Lexus Eastbourne International tennis tournament in Eastbourne, southern England, on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Joint won the match in three sets, 12-10 in a third set tie-break. - Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP Myanmar: * Myanmar marks MSME Day with focus on digitalisation * Myat Yadanar Soe crowned Miss Universe Myanmar 2025 * South Korea praises Malaysia's Asean Chair role in Myanmar crisis * Myanmar burns confiscated drugs worth around US$300 million Cambodia: * Cambodia's ruling party marks 74th founding anniversary on Saturday (June 28) * Asean integration drives development of independent regional financial system, analyst says * Cambodia says it is not and will not be importing electricity from Thailand * Hun Sen: I was betrayed first -- Former Cambodian leaders hits back at Thailand's Thaksin Laos: * China-Laos Railway sees over 10 billion yuan in trade value from Jan-May * Laos faces widespread flooding as rains continue befall country * Laos explores national data centre development to drive digital transformation Brunei: * Brunei crown prince joins new Islamic year prayer * Brunei GDP declines 1.8 per cent in first quarter of 2025 * Brunei leader Sultan Hassanal calls to address challenges of AI era for the future Cricket - Women's Twenty20 International - England v India - Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, Nottingham, Britain - June 28, 2025England's Sophia Dunkley looks dejected after losing her wicket. -- Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers AseanPlus: * One of the most famous faces of football in South-East Asia, Malaysia's evergreen coach K. Rajagobal returns with his book 'Inilah Saya' * Miti supports young entrepreneus through DEFA, Asean SME Academy, says Tengku Zafrul * Legal process must prevail over politics in Sabah mining licence probe, says Masidi * Durian frenzy: 3 tonnes sold in 12 hours at Johor carnival * Tourism Malaysia anticipates boost in Australian visitors with new flight route * KL Sing Song celebrates 20 years with reunion at Merdekarya * New Zealand woman injured after fall at Kanching Waterfall * 'Serious violations': Former head of major Chinese airline under graft investigation * 'Squid Game' star Jo Yu-ri to return as singer next month * Ex-New York official facing China agent charge indicted for kickbacks * Chinese energy firms say Brazil must clarify rules or face loss of investments * Murder suspect's girlfriend charged over abetting his escape from Hong Kong * Hong Kong to hold public hospital executives accountable for medical incidents * Carmakers GM, Tesla and Ford lead list of US companies in China exposure: report * Chinese reporter injured in Ukraine drone attack on Kursk * Americans trying to send Bibles to N. Korea arrested * Trump victorious again as US Supreme Court wraps up its term * Hong Kong sharpens crypto hub focus amid rising global competition * Senior military official Miao Hua purged from top ruling body in China * Flood-hit China expands social security net as extreme rain takes toll * South Korea ex-President Yoon probed over failed martial law bid * 'Problem what problem' - Trump says he will get the conflict solved with North Korea * Ardent Japanese fans bid farewell to four lovable giant pandas as they return to China * Hong Kong woman opens up about life after moment her heart stopped beating * China woman in Ukraine cares for US$140,000 Bengal tiger, shares daily life online * West Bank health crisis deepens as WHO warns of deadly access barriers and critical shortages * Newlyweds Bezos and Sanchez gear up for final party at Venice gala * US says deal with Beijing will expedite rare earth exports from China * Pikachu and Snorlax named Japan's ambassadors to encourage better sleeping habits * Ardent Japanese fans bid farewell to four lovable giant pandas as they return to China * Cricket - Jayasuriya decimates Bangladesh as Sri Lanka win by innings and 78 runs * Cricket - Captain Cummins backs youngster Konstas as Australia cruise to West Indies win * Badminton - Japan's former star Momota returns at Lin Dan Cup * Motor racing - Norris fastest in final Austrian GP practice * Motorcycling - Yamaha's Quartararo pips Ducatis to clinch Dutch Grand Prix pole * Motorcycling - Marquez on cloud nine with ninth sprint victory of season at Dutch GP
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
RM4b needed to repair roads nationwide
BACHOK: Heavy rain and overloaded heavy vehicles are the two primary contributors to road damage nationwide, said Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan. He said due to these factors, the Works Ministry requires RM4 billion annually to repair and upgrade roads across the country. However, the ministry has only received close to RM2 billion, given the government's overall fiscal constraints. "To repair and upgrade roads nationwide, we really need at least RM4 billion, but we have never been allocated, nor have we ever received, that amount. "What we usually get is somewhere around RM2 billion due to the government's financial limitations. "Nevertheless, we continue to hope and have high expectations for higher allocations every year, because some roads are ageing and their surfaces need to be resurfaced, but resources are scarce," he said at a press conference after launching the Umno Bachok division delegates' meeting here today. Ahmad also revealed that the ministry had previously proposed that revenue collected by the Road Transport Department (RTD), including road taxes and traffic fines, be channelled to the Works Ministry to help fund road maintenance. "This proposal has already been raised, but we have yet to receive any feedback. "If there are suggestions from other parties to consider increasing taxes on heavy vehicles, we will leave it to the Finance Ministry and the Transport Ministry to study," he said. The government has been urged to consider raising taxes on heavy vehicles such as lorries and trailers, which are often blamed for extensive road damage. Experts suggested that the additional revenue could be allocated for road repairs. University Putra Malaysia's Faculty of Engineering Road Safety Research Centre head, Professor Law Teik Hua, was previously quoted as saying that the proposed tax could help the Works Ministry offset the RM4 billion annual road maintenance cost.
The Star
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Works Ministry only gets half the money needed for road repairs nationwide, says Ahmad Maslan
BACHOK: The Works Ministry requires RM4bil annually to repair damaged roads nationwide but has only received nearly RM2bil due to limitations faced by the government, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan. The Deputy Works Minister also said rainy weather and overloaded heavy vehicles are the two main factors for damaged roads in the country. "My ministry always hopes that we will get more allocations each year to repair damaged roads as there are old and require resurfacing," he told reporters after officiating the Bachok Umno division delegates' meeting here on Saturday (June 28). He said that the ministry had previously suggested that any collection made by the Road Transport Department – including road tax and speeding summonses – be handed to the ministry to use for road repairs but the suggestion never received any feedback. "If there is any suggested additional taxes from heavy vehicles as mooted by certain parties, they should be handed to the Finance Ministry or the Transport Ministry," he said. – Bernama
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Technical issues behind delay of over 200 projects in Johor
JOHOR BARU: Many of the 222 delayed projects in the state are mostly due to technical issues which are under the purview of two government agencies with the necessary expertise, says a Johor state executive councillor. Johor works, transportation, infrastructure and communications committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh (pic) said that all the projects were under 14 ministries but only two agencies, namely the Works Ministry and Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) had the technical know-how. He noted that all the projects were registered under the MyProject system. However, he said some of these projects had yet to be updated, which led to some confusion. 'Also, six projects have been removed from the MyProject system recently due to reclassification, scope and cost changes,' he told reporters yesterday. Mohamad Fazli said that 127 of the projects were under his portfolio, with most of them involving the construction of schools, clinics and infrastructure projects. He was asked to comment on Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi's recent statement that more than 200 projects in Johor valued at RM10.8bil and approved under the 11th Malaysia Plan nearly a decade ago had yet to be implemented. Onn Hafiz said these projects were approved in 2016, but have since stalled despite funds already being allocated. Mohamad Fazli explained that he had met with the ministries to discuss reasons for the delay, adding that the state government was ready to provide assistance, especially on land and utility issues. Several projects, including school construction under the Education Ministry, have been delegated to the Works Ministry to manage matters related to land and technical requirements. 'If any issues arise during the process, the project will be put on hold until the respective ministry resolves them,' he said. He said each project would involve several stages namely finalising the scope and design, procurement process and construction phase. Several other projects are at the stage of providing the acceptance letter after procurement. Citing an example, Mohamad Fazli said the project to merge two halls for bus clearance at the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) was initiated in 2021. This comes under the Home Ministry. 'There are two independent halls there and presently we use only one hall and open up the other hall during congestion. 'So we planned to merge the two halls, but the project was delayed due to the scope of work,' he said, explaining that it involved detailed coordination related to design specifications, building size and facility requirements.
