Response to Oral Question PL287

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📖 Reading time: 5 minutes
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YANG BERHORMAT AWANG HAJI MD. SALLEH BIN HAJI OTHMAN

QUESTION:

YANG BERHORMAT AWANG HAJI MD. SALLEH BIN HAJI OTHMAN asks the MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT whether the Ministry of Development will continue the road construction plan from Kampong Kuala Balai to Mukim Labi which was previously raised in the National Assembly sessions? What is the current status regarding its implementation?

YANG BERHORMAT MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT

ANSWER:

Thank you, Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua. Thank you also to Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman for the question regarding the road construction from Kampong Kuala Balai to Mukim Labi.

The Ministry of Development constantly reviews the need for infrastructure projects based on priorities and current necessity levels, especially in remote areas to ensure continuity of access and the safety of road users.

Based on the assessment regarding priorities and current needs, the proposed construction of the road from Kampong Kuala Balai to Mukim Labi cannot yet be implemented.

To ensure access between these two areas is not disrupted, the Ministry of Development through the Department of Roads, Public Works Department has carried out road maintenance works in the remote areas of the Belait District as follows:

1. Term Contract for repairing damaged roads in Mukim Bukit Sawat which commenced on 28 April 2025 and will be completed on 27 October 2025;
2. Term Contract for repairing damaged roads in Mukim Sukang which commenced on 28 April 2025 and will be completed on 27 October 2025;
3. Term Contract for repairing damaged roads in Mukim Melilas which commenced on 28 April 2025 and will be completed on 27 October 2025;
4. Project to Raise Road Levels in Flood Zone Area A, Jalan Labi (Kampung Sungai Mau, Kampung Bukit Puan, Beluhur, and Kampung Sungai Petai) which was completed in September 2024;
5. Project to Raise Road Levels in Flood Zone Area B, (Jalan Laid Lakang, Simpang 1366 Merangking Hilir, Main Road Merangking Hilir, Road leading to Sungai Kagu Bridge and Kandul Road) which was completed in May 2025;
6. Project to Upgrade Jalan Singap, Bukit Sawat which began in January 2025 and is expected to be completed in January 2026; and
7. Repair works on damaged roads in several parts of Kuala Balai via term contract which was completed on 16 June 2025.

In addition to the projects implemented above, the Public Works Department also plans to carry out road maintenance projects as follows:

1. Gradual Road Maintenance in Mukim Kuala Balai according to priority;
2. Handling road damage in Mukim Bukit Sawat through the Asphalt Road Repair and Resurfacing Project (Highways / Main Roads / Village Roads / Junction Roads / National Housing / Government Offices / Commercial) - Package 7: Belait District under RKN 12, which had its offers closed on 24 December 2024 and is currently awaiting approval from the National Tender Board.
3. Road Stabilisation Works project on Jalan Merangking, Belait District awaiting approval and expected to commence in August this year.
4. Road Stabilisation Works project on Jalan Sukang, Belait District also awaiting approval and expected to commence in August this year.
5. Project to Upgrade Jalan Biadong, Mukim Sukang expected to commence in September 2025.

Furthermore, the Public Works Department will also continue routine work such as grass cutting, roadside drain cleaning, repairing potholes / damaged roads, and the cleaning and replacement of road safety signs.

Besides the road maintenance work, the Public Works Department has also carried out and will execute slope repair work in the interior of Ulu Belait as follows:

1. Slope Failure Along Road Embankment - Jalan Merangking KM27, Mukim Bukit Sawat which began in February 2025 and will be completed in December 2025;
2. Slope Failure Along Road Embankment - Jalan Buau KM 6.2 & 6.6, Mukim Sukang which was completed in May 2025;
3. Slope Failure Along Road Embankment - Jalan Kargu KM 5.3 and 5.9, Mukim Bukit Sawat which was completed in November 2024;
4. Slope Failure Along Road Embankment - Jalan Buau KM 5.8, Mukim Sukang which began in January 2025 and will be completed in January 2026;
5. Slope Failure Along Road Embankment - Jalan Merangking KM 21.6 and KM 23 which began in January 2025 and will be completed in October 2025;
6. Slope Failure Along Road Embankment - Jalan Melilas KM 7.1, Mukim Sukang which had its offer opened on 30 July 2025 and will be closed on 26 August 2025.
7. Slope Repair Works at Jalan Merangking KM 27.1, Mukim Bukit Sawat currently with a new funding application submitted;
8. Slope Repair Works at Jalan Merangking KM 28, Mukim Bukit Sawat currently with a new funding application submitted; and
9. Slope Repair Works at Jalan Melilas KM 1, Mukim Sukang currently with a new funding application submitted.

Although the proposed new road cannot be implemented at this time, the Ministry of Development continues to attend to existing roads in interior areas to ensure they remain safe and usable through ongoing maintenance and repair work implementation.