GEORGE TOWN, Oct 7 — Penang has been allocated RM8.79 million from the Works Ministry this year for slope repair works in landslide-prone areas across the Northeast and Southwest districts of the island.
State executive councillor for infrastructure, transport and digital, Zairil Khir Johari, said the allocation represents an increase of RM4.9 million compared to last year.
“With this significant boost in funding, slope repair works will commence as soon as possible, especially along high-risk roads such as Jalan Batu Ferringhi,” he said during an inspection of one of the high-risk sites along the road this morning.
Zairil said he sent a letter to Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi on April 16 requesting repairs for slopes identified as high-risk areas across the state.
He added that the allocation will fund 15 slope repair projects in the Northeast district at a total cost of RM7.6 million, while one project in the Southwest district will cost about RM1.18 million.
“These projects involve major federal routes such as Jalan Yahya Petra, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Jalan Tanjung Bungah and Jalan Paya Terubong,” he said.
The sites were identified based on risk assessments conducted by the Public Works Department in collaboration with technical agencies, including the Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG).
“Priority will be given to high-risk slopes and those that could endanger the safety of road users,” Zairil said.
He added that repair works began in August, with seven projects expected to be fully completed by the end of this year.
“The remaining nine projects will be completed next year,” he said.
Among the works being carried out are soil investigations, site clearing, and slope repair using technical methods such as tieback walls, soil nails and rubble walls, he said.
Zairil advised road users to exercise caution when passing through construction areas and to observe all instructions and signage.
“We urge the public to be cautious and adhere to safety guidelines to ensure the smooth progress of the works,” he said.
