By Jacob Achoi
SERIAN, July 11: The 14.9 km upgrade of the Tapah–Teng Bukap stretch of Jalan Padawan is progressing smoothly under a rescue contractor, says Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
He acknowledged that while there have been “complaints here and there”, the rescue contractor has been entrusted to carry out the works to the best of their ability.
“As informed by the Public Works Department (JKR), the Padawan Road upgrading project is progressing smoothly.
“Although there are some complaints here and there because the people today are getting sophisticated (sic), we will let the contractor to deliver the best,” he told reporters when met after officiating the PETRONAS’ food basket presentation ceremony held at Kampung Tarat Melawi here today.
Originally awarded in early 2020 at RM80 million, the project was halted when the initial contractor underperformed and Covid 19 restrictions delayed manpower and logistics.
Rescue contractor took over from February 16, 2024; despite transitioning delays, completion is now expected by August 15, 2026.
Phase 1 upgrades for the Padawan road project will cover 14.9km of road from Tapah all the way to Teng Bukap Junction, aligning to JKR R3 road geometry standards.
On a separate matter, Sagah announced that Year Six pupils will sit for an examination on October 15 and 16 this year to evaluate the effectiveness of the Unit Penilaian Dual Language Programme (UPDLP), which was introduced six years ago.
The programme involves the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English.
“We want to assess the progress of the UPDLP, so Year Six pupils will sit for the assessment exam on Oct 15 and 16.
“A similar exam will also be conducted for Form Three students, in collaboration with Cambridge University,” he added. – DayakDaily
