LABUAN: The RM125mil coastal road project from Membedai to Tanjung Aru was officially handed over to the Works Ministry.
The coastal road was previously under the jurisdiction of the Federal Territories Department.
Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan witnessed the handing over.
The 4.8km coastal road provides an alternative route connecting the island's northern region to the Labuan town centre.
This links Membedai and Tanjung Aru through various residential areas and villages, including Kampung Nagalang and Kampung Kerupang 1, 2, and 3.
Opened to the public on Feb 1, 2022, following its gazettement at the end of January 2022, the project was initiated on Dec 19, 2017, under the 11th Malaysia Plan.
Ahmad Maslan said the Works Ministry has appointed a new concession company for the road's maintenance.
"With the completion of the coastal road project, Labuan residents stand to benefit immensely, coupled with the appointment of the concession company responsible for its ongoing maintenance," he said at the Handover of Ownership of Road Assets ceremony in Jalan Nagalang on Monday (Jan 22).
Ahmad Maslan also announced various infrastructure upgrades scheduled for this year on this island, which include the enhancement of the three-way junction at Jalan Mohammad Salleh - Penghulu Tuah, with an estimated expenditure of RM1.62mil.
Additionally, there are plans to address safety concerns at the Bebuloh Road junction - Jalan Kinabenuwa, with a budget of RM350,000.
Other proposed improvements include the installation of a pedestrian crossing with traffic lights (RM250,000) and enhancements to Bebuloh Road (SK Bebuloh) amounting to RM250,000.
Ahmad Maslan lauded the Labuan Public Works Department for their commitment and dedication, highlighting that the successful completion of the project underscored their unwavering efforts.
Meanwhile, Federal Territories Department director-general Datuk Noridah Abdul Rahim noted that the coastal road would enhance Labuan's connectivity and alleviate traffic congestion along Jalan Pohon Batu and Jalan Tun Mustapha, leading to the town centre.
She said the coastal road project was included in the Labuan Infrastructure Plan 2030 and was presented in the Outcome Evaluation Committee under the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister's Department.
"It has achieved a score of 91.23%, which significantly exceeded the target for the output, and the outcome of the project significantly exceeded the target," she said. – Bernama
