KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has unveiled a substantial allocation of RM2.8 billion in the 2024 Budget dedicated to maintaining federal roads and bridges, further enhancing the nation's infrastructure.
Anwar revealed that within this allocation, RM300 million would be earmarked explicitly for G1 to G4 contractors, ensuring that road maintenance and improvement projects proceed efficiently.
He said the district engineer service would continue to be strengthened to immediately deal with minor and unexpected complaints involving the federal roads.
"The government will increase the allocation to RM200,000 from RM100,000 to 115 district engineers with a total budget of RM30 million.
"A total of RM100 million will be provided to maintain street lights, including replacing the existing lights with LED type that can save electricity up to 60 per cent.
"Also, RM50 million is provided for the same purpose in local councils nationwide."
Safety concerns are also being addressed, with RM50 million allocated to rectify areas with high accident rates.
This includes modernising existing traffic lights into smart traffic light systems on federal roads, a crucial step in managing traffic congestion and ensuring road safety.
Anwar also underlined the importance of maintaining public facilities, allocating RM150 million for the upkeep and repair of public toilets in 150 local councils nationwide.