KUCHING: The Works Ministry will carry out urgent repairs along damaged sections of Jalan Simpang Bakun heading to the Bakun dam, says Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
The Works Minister said the ministry had allocated funds for the repairs following requests and feedback from the public.
"We might not have enough funds this year to repair the whole road, which is 128km long, but we will do the urgently-needed repairs.
"Three work orders have already been issued this year for the repairs.
"We have also identified the critical areas, including a 7km stretch at KM45," he told reporters after a site visit to the road near Bintulu on Friday (July 7).
Nanta said about RM15mil was needed to repair the 7km stretch.
Moving forward, he said, the ministry would estimate the amount needed to repair and rehabilitate the entire road.
"It's an ageing road as it is more than 20 years old," he said.
Nanta also said routine maintenance work was carried out regularly along the road.
"It doesn't mean that no repair work is done if there is no public feedback on the matter," he said.
Nanta added that the road was prone to damage due to overloaded heavy vehicles carrying timber, palm oil or fertiliser.
He said enforcement and advocacy would be stepped up to address this issue.
"We will put up signboards on the load limit and speed limit so that road users cannot plead ignorance.
"I also appeal to heavy vehicle operators to comply with the load limit," he said.
