by AZALEA AZUAR / pic by BERNAMA

THE government has decided to proceed with the Mass Rapid Transit 3 (MRT 3) project and improve the Sabah Sarawak Pan Borneo Highway (LPB) and flood mitigation projects.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, priority will be given to the locals, especially Bumiputera contractors to bring business and employment opportunities for the “Malaysian Family.”

“This will drive economic growth and development, as part of the government’s objective to further strengthen the business sector, as well as create 600,000 jobs this year.

“The government has decided to approve the implementation of the MRT 3 project which will complement the existing public transport infrastructure in the Klang Valley, by providing integrated, affordable and seamless services for the Malaysian Family,’ he said in a statement.

The first phase of the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway (LPB) has reached 52% of progress and is expected to be fully completed by October 2024 which involves 15 packages.

The prime minister also said that the government has agreed to continue building an additional 19 packages that stretches 367km with a duration of five years.

“The first phase of LPB Sarawak is as long as 786km and has achieved 78% progress so far.

“To complement the Sarawak LPB, the Government has also agreed to implement the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) and Trans Borneo Highway (LTB) projects,” Ismail Sabri added.

The government has allocated RM1 billion per year for flood mitigation projects under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP).

However,after taking into account the nationwide floods that occured last year which has damaged property and life, the Cabinet has also decided to add RM15 billion to fund  these projects between the period of  2023 to 2030.

“The implementation of high impact infrastructure projects in the Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak including the construction of integrated railways and highways as well as flood mitigation projects will catalyse economic development and contribute to national competitiveness and the well-being of the people.

“The decision to implement these projects reflects the government’s concern to provide various opportunities for Malaysian families and strengthen the momentum of the country’s economic recovery.”