A Member of Parliament has raised concerns about the significant increase in project costs for road upgrades under Budget 2024, compared to the previous year.
During a session in Parliament, Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong directed his question to the Works Ministry, noting that in Budget 2023, it cost RM525 million to upgrade a 20km stretch of road between Senai Utara and Sedenak.
However, in Budget 2024, the cost increased to RM931 million for a 15km-stretch from Sedenak to Simpang Renggam, Johor.
Dr. Wee pointed out that this means the cost per kilometer increased from RM26.26 million to RM62 million, and asked why the cost had gone up by 136% despite covering a shorter distance.
He also expressed concern about the need for additional funds to upgrade roads this year, questioning whether the Works Ministry was prepared to spend another RM2.8 billion in stages to complete the existing Skudai to Yong Peng road.
Furthermore, Dr. Wee thanked the government for widening the roads from Segamat to Labis, but urged special attention to the final phase near Desa Temu Jodoh, Chaah, which requires approximately RM150 million.
He also expressed gratitude for the allocation of RM250 million to widen the road and create a U-turn junction from Parit Raja to Ayer Hitam. However, he highlighted that during construction, some street and traffic lights were damaged, leading to multiple car accidents in Ayer Hitam.
He highlighted the urgency to address the safety issue on one of the top five most dangerous roads in the area. Dr. Wee’s concerns were raised during the debate on the 2024 Supply Bill for the Works Ministry.
