GEORGE TOWN: The Federal Government has approved a special allocation of RM8.79mil for slope repair works along federal roads in the northeast and southwest districts of Penang.
State infrastructure committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the works are being carried out to address slope failures and ensure the safety and comfort of motorists.
He said the allocation, approved under Phase 2 of 2025, represents an increase of RM4.92mil compared with last year’s funding for similar projects.
“The funds were approved by the Works Ministry following my request on April 16 this year to Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi for a special allocation for slope maintenance works,” he said in a statement.
The projects are fully funded by the Works Ministry and supervised by the Slope Engineering Branch of JKR Malaysia, together with JKR Northeast and JKR Southwest.
Zairil said the repair contracts, awarded through direct instruction (arahan kerja) to Pintas Utama Sdn Bhd, cover several federal road sections identified as having unstable slopes.
In the northeast district, a total of 15 sites have been approved with a combined project cost of RM7.6mil. The majority are along Jalan Yahya Petra, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, Jalan Batu Feringghi, and Jalan Paya Terubong.
Among the major works are slope strengthening using tieback walls, soil nailing, gunite coating, rubble walls, and hydroseeding, depending on the site conditions.
One of the larger undertakings involves rock scaling and soil nailing at Jalan Paya Terubong, valued at RM1.08mil, while several projects along Jalan Yahya Petra range between RM200,000 and RM980,000 each.
In the southwest district, a single project worth RM1.19mil involves building a 50m tieback wall along Jalan Batu Feringghi (FT006, Section 43.80).
Zairil said physical works began in August 2025, with seven projects expected to be completed this year, while the remaining nine projects will be finished next year.
He said the works include soil investigation, site clearing, and slope rehabilitation, in line with approved methods by the Slope Engineering Branch.
“The main objective is to repair and stabilise slopes that have experienced failures, ensuring the safety and comfort of all road users,” he said.
Zairil thanked Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and the Works Ministry for approving the funds, noting that the projects would directly benefit Penang road users.
He also urged motorists to plan their journeys carefully during the ongoing works and to observe all safety signs and follow flagmen’s instructions at construction sites.
“The cooperation of motorists is essential to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow while these important repair works are underway,” he said.
