By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 8: Sarawak has been allocated RM200 million for federal road maintenance works in 2026, a 300 per cent increase from the RM50 million approved in previous years.
Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the allocation reflects the Madani government’s commitment to Sarawak and Sabah, both of which will receive RM200 million each under the Budget 2026.
“This shows clearly that the government is serious about Sarawak and Sabah. The increase is extraordinary compared to 2024 and 2025,” he told reporters after officiating the Balloting (Draw of Lots) Ceremony for federal road maintenance works here today.
The allocation, under the Programme to Accelerate Federal Road Maintenance through the Empowerment of Bumiputera G1–G4 Contractors, involves 141 works across Sarawak, namely 95 periodic pavement works worth RM174.6 million and 46 periodic non-pavement works valued at RM25.4 million.
Federal road maintenance works in Sarawak are implemented through concessionaire DAL HCM Sdn Bhd, with projects distributed across contractor classes, namely four for G1, 25 for G2, 47 for G3 and 65 for G4.
A total of 385 eligible Bumiputera contractors participated in the balloting process conducted by the Balloting Committee, after meeting Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) registration, performance and Bumiputera status requirements.
Nanta highlighted that almost all G4 contractors who registered secured projects.
“For G4, 67 companies registered and 65 succeeded. Only two did not. That is almost 100 per cent,” he said, adding that the distribution was based on actual needs on the ground.
“We allocate based on road conditions and technical requirements, not arbitrarily,” he stressed.
Nanta also dismissed claims that Sarawak and Sabah have been sidelined in road maintenance.
“People say the roads here are neglected. Look at 2026; Sarawak and Sabah each received RM200 million. That speaks for itself,” he said.
On monitoring and accountability, Nanta warned contractors against poor workmanship and delays.
“We expect integrity and quality. If work is substandard or contractors fail to deliver, we have governance mechanisms and standard operating procedures (SOPs). They can be blacklisted. Many others are waiting for opportunities,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
