Budget 2027: Long-term Planning, Funds Vital For Sabah, Sarawak Road Projects - Experts
By NAZIRA HASANAH
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- The RM3.3 billion allocation to continue road projects in Sabah and Sarawak under Budget 2027 is a positive step, but the infrastructure needs in both states are much larger given their vastness, geography and high construction costs, according to experts.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Nur Izzi Md Yusoff said the adequacy of the allocation must be evaluated based on project scope and development priorities.
He added that improving connectivity, especially in rural areas, requires long-term planning and continuous funding.
"The main challenges of road construction in Sabah and Sarawak are the hilly terrain, soft ground, particularly peat soil, high rainfall, and the risk of landslides and floods.
"Compared to Peninsular Malaysia, remote construction sites also make it difficult to transport building materials, machinery and manpower. This increases construction costs, complicates maintenance and requires more complex engineering solutions," he told Bernama.
Nur Izzi said using soil stabilisation technology, geotextiles and geogrids, alongside more effective drainage systems and slope stabilisation methods, could improve road resilience against local weather and geography.
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Faculty of Civil Engineering's Pavement and Transportation Research Group senior lecturer Dr Nordiana Mashros said the allocation's effectiveness should be evaluated not only on physical progress but also on road performance after it is opened to users.
"Among the aspects that can be evaluated are changes in travel time, safety levels, travel smoothness and reliability, as well as accessibility between areas, economic centres and basic services.
"Priority should be given to executing projects according to plan, with continuous monitoring of work progress, costs and construction quality," she said.
According to Nordiana, drainage systems, slope stability, pavement quality and road safety features must be given attention to ensure the infrastructure functions well and safely in the long term.
She said post-project evaluations are also important to identify whether the road development objectives have been achieved, ensuring the public truly feels the benefits.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the RM3.3 billion allocation for road projects in Sabah and Sarawak when tabling Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
-- BERNAMA