LENGGONG – Perak is expected to receive an allocation of RM60 million to maintain and improve several damaged federal roads in the state.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the upgrading works also involved accident-prone areas, including the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway.
“We understand that the (Works) Ministry has provided an allocation of RM60 million.
“In fact, a working visit by the ministry to the state has been scheduled for June 20,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters at the Lenggong parliamentary constituency Aidilfitri event held at Dataran Kota Tampan here, which was attended by over 20,000 people.
Saarani said that he had raised the importance of improving federal roads in a meeting between menteri besar, chief ministers, the Sarawak premier and the prime minister recently.
“This is because we have the funds to repair state roads but it cannot be used to repair federal roads.
“On the other hand, some can’t differentiate between state and federal roads, and as a result, the state government has to bear the brunt (of criticisms),” he said.
Meanwhile, Lenggong MP Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the Lenggong-Gerik-Jeli route is included in the upgrading works for federal roads.
He said it has been long-awaited by local communities as it is an important road for development, besides boosting the socio-economy of localities linked to neighbouring states. – Bernama, May 28, 2022