Fadillah (second from left in blue and yellow vest) getting feedback from road users at the upgraded stretch in Kepala Batas. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
THE Works Ministry is well- prepared to deal with the heavy rain forecast for the year end.Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the ministry’s Disaster Operations Room (Bigben) at the headquarters and districts would be activated to monitor the flood situation regularly.
“We need to take care of the infrastructure so that roads are not cut off in a disaster.
“Should floods occur, we will provide whatever form of assistance needed, including vehicles and other tools for rescue teams at district or state levels,” he said.
Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has warned that the country will experience continuous heavy rain brought on by the northeast monsoon from mid-November.
Fadillah was speaking after launching a road expansion project in Kepala Batas, Penang.
The project expanded a 9km stretch from two lanes into four lanes from Permatang Pak Elong in Butterworth to the Merdeka Bridge at the Penang-Kedah border.
The project, which cost RM182,300,100, was approved under the first rolling plan of the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP).
The works also include upgrading the bridge, street and traffic lights as well as drainage.
Fadillah said the upgrading of the road was to reduce traffic congestion along the stretch.
“Those driving from Penang to Kedah and back will have a safer and easier journey now.
“The project began in December 2017 and was completed in April this year,” he said. — By N. TRISHA
