SLOPE repair works along Federal Route FT006, which links Teluk Bahang to Balik Pulau, near Titi Kerawang, are set to begin this month as part of the Federal Government’s effort to strengthen road safety and mitigate landslide risks in Penang.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the RM1.3 million project involves two work packages under the supervision of the Public Works Department’s (PWD) Slope Engineering authorities.
“The repair works will commence on Nov 14 and are expected to be completed by March 2026. These efforts reflect our continued commitment to addressing slope safety concerns, particularly in areas vulnerable to erosion and instability,” he said during his visit to the site today.
Alexander said since 2022, the ministry has spent RM26 million to repair more than 40 slope sites along federal roads in Penang, while an additional RM7 million has been allocated to assist the state government with slope works on state roads.
He said his ministry is also working closely with the Penang government to identify and rehabilitate problematic slopes along key routes, including Jalan Tun Sardon.
“Our cooperation with the state has been excellent. For state roads, PWD will help secure federal funding from central agencies to ensure critical slope areas can be stabilised effectively,” he said.
Alexander, who was accompanied by PWD officers and the ministry’s delegation, also highlighted that the monsoon season demands high-alert and preparedness.
“Across the country, PWD monitors over 2,000 slope sites, with 73 rainfall gauge stations installed nationwide,including in Sabah and Sarawak, to provide early warnings whenever rainfall exceeds the threshold of 115mm,” he said.
He added that PWD’s central disaster operations room, known as Big Ben, is on 24-hour alert to coordinate emergency response and assist affected areas in the event any eventualities.
Alexander revealed that between RM200 million and RM300 million is allocated annually for slope maintenance and monitoring on federal roads throughout Malaysia.
Earlier in the day, Alexander joined Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sungai Dua traffic dispersal project.
“This major project will not only ease traffic for Penang road users but also benefit travellers from the northern states of Kedah and Perlis, as well as those coming from the south. It will be a strong catalyst for regional economic activity,” he said.
Also present during the visit was state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
Story by Edmund Lee