By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 11: Individuals caught littering along the Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak may face action under the Local Authorities Ordinance, enforced by the respective local authorities (PBT) in each area.
In a Bernama news, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan explained that the highway stretches across multiple local authority jurisdictions, from Telok Melano to Miri, all of which have the power to enforce the relevant laws.
He highlighted that littering along the highway is driven by several factors, including the irresponsible behavior of some road users who discard rubbish from their vehicles.
“Heavy vehicles, particularly lorries, often leave behind food waste and litter when stopping at P-turn areas, bus stops, and road shoulders to rest or eat. Additionally, the increase in traffic volume in certain areas has exacerbated the problem,” he said during an oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara today.
Ahmad was responding to a question from Senator Roderick Wong Siew Lead on the causes of widespread littering along the highway.
On maintenance, Ahmad noted that 15 out of 26 sections of the highway have been fully handed over to the appointed contractor, PBH Asset Management Sdn Bhd, for ongoing upkeep.
The maintenance contract, valued at RM69,248,876.40 for the three-year period from Sept 1, 2024, to Aug 31, 2027, covers rubbish collection twice weekly, periodic maintenance, and emergency response measures to ensure the safety, cleanliness, and comfort of road users.
Responding to a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Dr Mustafa Musa regarding claims that the Public Works Department’s (JKR) solar streetlights are expensive, Ahmad clarified that the cost of up to RM10,000 per unit reflects the high specifications and safety standards required for road users.
“The price includes a five-year warranty and a special battery capable of lasting up to two days without sunlight. While cheaper solar lights are available online for around RM200, they last only a few weeks and lack the features we require. The units used by JKR have been tested in both local and international laboratories to ensure optimal performance and safety,” he said.
Ahmad added that the cost also accounts for other technical factors, including pole height, labour, and maintenance expenses, to guarantee that lighting coverage effectively reaches the targeted areas along the highway. — DayakDaily
