Deputy works minister Ahmad Maslan said the allegations were merely perceptions and accusations.
However, he admitted that he had reprimanded contractors who failed to carry out their responsibility to maintain the existing roads during construction works, citing the example of his recent inspection of one of the packages from Kelupit to Sandakan which found that the road was not properly maintained.
“If the contractor does not maintain it properly, the Sabah Public Works Department can appoint another contractor to maintain the road and (the maintenance cost) will be deducted from the cost awarded to the relevant contractor.
“… but so far, we have not done it yet. We are closely monitoring and issuing warnings so that the roads are maintained properly,” he said during a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat today.
Ahmad was responding to a supplementary question by Roslan Hashim (PN-Kulim Bandar Baharu) who sought confirmation from the ministry of such claims.
Responding to the original question by Matbali Musah (GRS-Sipitang) regarding the latest status in the construction of LPB, particularly in Sipitang, he said as of July 31, the physical progress of Package 1 from Sindumin to Melalia, which is 28.5km, and Package 2 (Melalia-Beaufort, which is 34.7km) had been delayed.
The two packages are part of 35 work packages for the highway project, which spans a total of 706km.
“The scope of work for the package in Sipitang includes widening the road from two lanes to four lanes, the construction of new bridges, the upgrading of drainage systems, and improvements to road safety infrastructure.
“As of July 31, the physical progress of Package 1 had reached 84.22% against the original schedule of 87.43%, which is 3.21% behind schedule. Package 2 is at 58.14% compared to the target of 60.89%, with a delay of 2.75%,” he said.
According to him, the main factors for the delay were unpredictable weather conditions, the prolonged rainy season, the issue of land acquisition which has now been resolved, and a shortage of manpower.
“However, the ministry is targeting both phases of the project (Phase 1A and 1B) to be completed by the first quarter of 2027 and October 2028 respectively, subject to the smooth running of work on the ground,” he said.