KUCHING: To keep the 128.46-kilometer Simpang Bakun to Bakun Dam FT803 in good shape, the public works ministry sets aside about RM 4 million every year for regular maintenance.
Its minister Datuk Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said, additionally, they have allocated RM 17.8 million from 2018 to 2023 for occasional repairs on this road.
He visited the road to see its condition for himself.
“Immediate action has been taken to fix potholes. The company responsible for the road has been patching up the potholes as a temporary solution during regular maintenance. Between January and May 2023, they completed 762 pothole repairs on the road,” he told reporters today.
According to him, the ministry has issued three Work Instructions (AK) worth RM 6 million for this purpose this year.
To make the road stronger and more durable, the ministry is using the Cold-in Place Recycling (CIPR) method to repair the pavement, he said.
But the ministry needs cooperation from different parties in maintaining the Simpang Bakun Road to the Bakun Dam. Vehicles that are too heavy and use the road often cause damage and need to be controlled.
“Another problem is that there isn’t enough premix hot mix available. As a temporary solution, the Public Works Department (PWD) has told the company to use cold mix for repairs and add more machinery to speed up the process,” he added.
Also, because the road is old, it’s difficult to make sure the repairs last. To solve this problem, the Ministry is waiting for approval for the Bakun Road Upgrading and Rehabilitation Project. They have requested this project in the Rolling Plan 4, 12th Malaysia Plan (Year 2024). The project aims to upgrade the 128.46km two-lane two-way single road to JKR R3 standard.
His ministry, together with the Technical Agency PWD Sarawak, is dedicated to regularly maintaining the 194.46km federal road in Bintulu Division to keep it safe and comfortable for users.
