Strategic collaboration between JKR Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak is key to improving coordination and tackling delays on projects including the Pan Borneo Highway.
KOTA KINABALU: Strategic collaboration among the Malaysian Public Works Department (JKR), JKR Sabah, and JKR Sarawak is key to improving project coordination as well as tackling delays and problematic projects nationwide, including the Pan Borneo Highway construction.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said this collaboration serves as an important platform for the country’s main implementing agencies to discuss challenges openly and find joint solutions.
He noted that while improvements have been made since the initial collaboration, several issues still need to be addressed efficiently to ensure projects are completed within the stipulated timeframe.
“We have made it clear to all agencies under JKR Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak that we are looking for ways to solve problems.
“Once we do, we can move more efficiently,” he told reporters after officiating the Strategic Collaboration Programme between the Works Ministry, JKR Sabah and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) here today. Also present was Deputy Chief Minister I and Works and Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
Nanta said the collaboration is crucial, as JKR Malaysia, JKR Sabah and JKR Sarawak are the country’s main implementing agencies for construction projects.
He highlighted that billions of ringgit worth of projects are currently underway, which include the Pan Borneo Highway, roads and government buildings.
“We acknowledge that coordination constraints have been among the factors behind project delays. That is why this platform was created to identify problems and find joint solutions so that projects can be executed more efficiently,” he said.
Separately, when asked about the construction of U-turns along the Pan Borneo Highway, he said each location is determined based on technical studies that take into account road geometry, sight distance and user safety factors.
“These are not built arbitrarily. They go through a thorough review process to ensure that road user safety and comfort remain the top priority,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, Joachim said infrastructure is a catalyst for economic growth, competitiveness, community wellbeing, as well as more efficient and effective government service delivery.
As such, every investment in infrastructure development must be carried out with strategic planning, quality execution and efficient, sustainable asset management.
“At the same time, we must ensure every project delivers the best value to the people through transparent governance, prudent use of resources and a culture of continuous improvement,” he said.
Earlier, Nanta and Joachim witnessed the signing of a road asset data declaration between the Works Ministry, Sabah’s Ministry of Works and Utilities and Sabah’s Ministry of Local Government and Housing.
Also signed were memoranda of agreement between the Works Ministry, JKR Sabah and JKR Sarawak for the use of Sabah and Sarawak government premises to establish MyBIM laboratories.
