Perak awaits RM60mil grant to improve federal roads in state

 

Elephants have been known to cross the Gerik-Jeli highway, as seen in this photo posted on social media.

LENGGONG: Perak is expected to receive an allocation of RM60 million to maintain and improve several damaged federal roads in the state, menteri besar Saarani Mohamad said today.

The upgrading works also involved accident-prone areas, including the East-West Highway from Gerik to Jeli.

“We understand the works ministry has provided an allocation of RM60 million and a delegation will visit the state on June 20,” he said.

Saarani said he had raised the importance of improving federal roads at a recent meeting between heads of state governments and the prime minister.

“We have funds to repair state roads, but they cannot be used to repair federal roads. However, some people can’t tell the difference between state and federal roads. As a result, the state government has to bear the brunt (of criticisms),” he said.

Lenggong MP Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said upgrading works of federal roads would include the Lenggong-Gerik-Jeli route.

He said this has been long-awaited by the local communities because it was an important road for lifting the socio-economic standard of communities in both states. - FMT