by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 15: The Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) is set to embark on a landmark year of infrastructure development with an allocated budget of RM1.31 billion for 2025, representing a significant 63.9 per cent increase from the previous year’s allocation.
The announcement, first highlighted by Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) session last November, compared this year’s allocation to the RM799.52 million budget for 2024.
“We in JKR Sarawak aim to ensure the efficient execution of our projects through enhanced planning, monitoring, and the adoption of innovative technologies,” said JKR Sarawak director Dr Cassidy Anak Morris, during his speech at the JKR Sarawak Assembly 2025 held at BCCK here today.
JKR Sarawak is also reintroducing the JKR Project Dashboard, a proprietary platform designed to streamline project management.
The upgraded dashboard will include mobile app integration and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, making it mandatory for reporting on all ongoing projects, including state and federal initiatives.
“With features like mobile access and AI integration, we look forward to a future where AI assists in project financial planning and internal audits,” Cassidy added.
Addressing concerns about the maintenance of government assets, JKR Sarawak emphasized the importance of proactive measures.
The department stressed that reports of potholes and poorly maintained roads would no longer be tolerated. Regional offices have been urged to escalate funding issues to higher management promptly for resolution.
“We must ensure efficient asset maintenance to reflect the quality and standards expected of JKR,” said Cassidy.
To support its initiatives this year, JKR Sarawak will welcome 414 new recruits in 2025. A comprehensive capacity study is also underway to evaluate the need for further workforce expansion.
The department is also prioritising workforce training and upskilling, particularly in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Highway Information Modeling (HIM).
By 2030, JKR aims to implement BIM in 100 per cent of its infrastructure projects.
To foster continuous learning, it said, employees who consistently achieve e-performance scores above 85 per cent for three consecutive years will be eligible for short-term training opportunities outside Sarawak.
Cassidy also encouraged JKR employees to pursue professional accreditation, highlighting its importance in adapting to the rapidly evolving construction industry.
“Accreditation not only enhances individual competencies but also strengthens our organizational capabilities and fosters a culture of lifelong learning,” he said.
Also present at the gathering were the top management of JKR Sarawak and staff, who attended in person and via live online broadcasting statewide. – DayakDaily
