Hajiji said the state would also request funding from the federal government for repairs to all infrastructure under federal jurisdiction.
He said the relevant departments had been directed to expedite the process so that repair work could start as soon as possible.
“We must address this issue because it has brought about enormous hazards and difficulties to road users as well as adversely impacted the people’s livelihood,” he said in a statement here today.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters after inspecting the damaged road at KM44.7 Jalan Penampang – Tambunan near here, Hajiji said based on the Public Works Department report, 15 roads were severely damaged and totally impassable while another 11 partially cut off.
Another 15 were also affected by non-stop rain but remained passable to vehicles.
According to him, out of the 41 damaged roads, 37 belong to the state while four were under the federal government.
Cost of repair for the collapsed road at KM44.7 Jalan Penampang – Tambunan has been estimated at RM5 million.
Apart from the Penampang – Tambunan road, the other totally cut off roads were Jalan Nangoh – Paitan – Kanibongan, Jalan Apin Apin – Bundu Kampung Tiga, Jalan Montenior – Hologilat, Jalan Bilangau Darat, Jalan Liu Malubang, Jalan Telaga (where the bridge collapsed), Jalan Rukom Kibuluh, Jalan Suang Duyung, Jalan Mengkubau Laut, Jalan Pinuludan, Jalan Pinampadan and Jalan Bungaliou – Longkou Lama – Timbok.
“The amount needed to repair these damages is quite huge but we can manage. We are doing our best and I hope the people will understand and be patient as the relevant agencies carry out work to reconnect all the damaged roads,” Hajiji said.
Besides roads, the prolonged rain that began on Jan 11 had also brought about floods and landslides that caused damage to properties and crops amounting to RM130 million.
This was based on reports from the various district offices submitted to the state secretary’s office, said the chief minister.
Hajiji has also visited the affected areas in Kota Belud, Tuaran and Beaufort.