KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Wee Jeck Seng (BN-Tanjung Piai) has questioned the RM9mil increase in the estimated cost of a proposed bypass near Pekan Nanas and sought clarity on when the project will be implemented.
He said the estimated cost of the 4km bypass linking Jalan Sawah (J133) to Jalan Ulu Choh (J7) had risen from RM56mil to RM65mil.
“What are the reasons for the increase in the project cost from RM56mil to RM65mil, and when is the project expected to be implemented?” he asked during the Budget 2027 debate in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Oct 15).
The bypass is intended to ease congestion for motorists entering Pekan Nanas from Tok Kulai.
The project, which crosses the Pontian, Kulai and Johor Baru districts, was submitted to the Rural and Regional Development Ministry under the first rolling plan of the 13th Malaysia Plan.
Wee said further delays could result in higher costs while motorists continued to face congestion.
“The longer the project is delayed, the greater the possibility that its cost will increase further, while motorists continue to face congestion,” he said.
He also sought clarification on the planned upgrading of the Pontian Wholesale Market, which has an allocation of RM2.55mil under Johor Budget 2026, including about RM1.4mil for consultancy costs.
Wee raised concerns over the market’s ageing facilities, leaking roof and limited parking, and sought details on the project scope, contractor, commencement date and completion schedule.
