The Works Ministry says all safety SOPs were in place at a collapsed road site where a couple died, with RM36 million approved for repairs
JOHOR BAHRU: The Ministry of Works has confirmed that all standard operating procedures for road collapse repair works were fully adhered to at a fatal accident site in Terengganu.
Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi stated every safety-related SOP is mandatory to ensure road users are cautious of risks in affected areas.
He said the concrete barriers and warning signs installed at KM52 of Jalan Kuala Jeneris-Sungai Gawi-Aring were of a higher, fixed standard and not portable.
“That is our standard procedure whenever an incident occurs on the road,” Nanta said at a press conference during the National Technical Professions Day 2025 at Persada Johor.
“We put up all the necessary safety measures to ensure road users exercise caution and are aware of the situation.”
He added that closure notices were placed at every entry point to inform users the area was closed.
Nanta said repair works could only commence now as the project required a substantial allocation of RM36 million, approved only in March this year.
“The area collapsed in November 2024, and the allocation was approved in March,” he explained.
“With that funding now in place, the contractor appointment process is underway, and repair works will begin soon.”
When asked if road-user negligence was a factor, he said the matter was with the police for investigation.
“Let the police issue a statement regarding the element of negligence,” Nanta stated.
“The Public Works Department team is conducting its own investigation from a technical perspective.”
On December 5, a couple travelling in an SUV from Hulu Terengganu to Gua Musang were killed after their vehicle skidded and plunged 61 metres into a ravine at the location.
Police earlier said negligence was believed to have caused the incident, with inspections finding warning signs and concrete barriers had been removed by irresponsible individuals. – Bernama
