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By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 16: Sarawak will implement road resurfacing using plastic waste mixed with bitumen from Bintulu to Samalaju.
Announcing the adoption of this new technology for road maintenance, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that this innovation developed by Petronas has already been successfully tested on a road in Bangi, Kuala Lumpur.
“The road is now 20 years old and it has shown remarkable durability compared to roads constructed solely with bitumen.
“I am discussing this with (Deputy Premier) Datuk Amar (Douglas) Uggah (Embas) to implement plastic resurfacing on Bintulu-Samalaju road which is quite uneven,” he said when addressing the Sarawak Bumiputera Consulting Engineers Association Anniversary Dinner and Engineers Awards 2023 at a hotel here tonight.
Highlighting the importance of adopting new technologies for engineering works including maintenance of completed infrastructure in Sarawak, Abang Johari recommended that the Association bring a delegation to explore this new technology and approach by visiting Petronas and the site in Bangi.
“I took a motorcycle ride from Miri to Bintulu recently, and had also instructed for the road to be resurfaced under 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
“That means, our engineers, consultants and contractors (including Bumiputera) have more job opportunities,” he said, adding that the Sarawak government also has plans up to 2030.
Noting that this will require more budget, Abang Johari however is optimistic in Sarawak’s strong financial performance as the first quarter of this year has already yielded RM5 billion.
“Let’s pray and together with our revenue reengineering approach, there is possibility Sarawak can surpass our achievement made in 2022 which recorded nearly RM12 billion.
“These will be returned to the people through development projects, especially in rural areas to benefit the people of Sarawak,” he added.
Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak director Ir Richard Tajan and Association chairman Ir Irwan Zulkarnain Muhammad Hasbie were present. — DayakDaily
