The Prime Minister’s arrival was greeted by an Orang Asli dance.

GERIK, 24 August 2023 - The Federal Government has approved an additional allocation of RM30 million for upgrading the East-West Highway (Federal Road FT04) linking Gerik to Jeli.

Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim made the announcement at the MYJALAN KKR Campaign Launch Ceremony at Jeti Awam, Pulau Banding this afternoon.

As for the other financial requests, he would consider them in the 2nd MADANI Budget in October.

"There many requests for these roads, but I will study them in the 2nd MADANI Budget later in October. Today, I can approve an additional RM30 million for road repairs," he said in his speech at the ceremony.

Meanwhile, he also announced a RM1,000 gift to 87 former East-West Highway construction workers in appreciation of their services rendered.

Public Works Minister Dato' Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the construction of this route, the 'Defence Highway', was built as one of the strategies to cripple the movements of communist terrorists in the Post-Independence Era of Malaya in 1970.

"This was no easy effort, which saw the Public Works Department (PWD) team attacked by communists, costing three lives and leaving permanent injuries to other PWD staff involved. The construction work continued, even though the impact of the attack still affected everyone. This was the loyal service and devotion of the PWD staff, the unsung heroes," he said in his welcome speech.

Earlier, Perak Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Saarani Mohamad in his speech, requested for additional allocations for several federal roads that needed repairs.

Among them were the East-West Highway (RM40 million), Kuala Kangsar to Gerik and Pengkalan Hulu Road (RM35 million), Simpang Pulai to Blue Valley Route (RM19 million) and Tapah - Cameron Highland Road (RM12 million).

Also present were Deputy Public Works Minister Dato' Sri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, Public Works Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad, Public Works Director-General Datuk Ir. Ahmad Redza Ghulam Rasool and State Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport Committee Chairman Dato' Seri Ir Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.

Source : Corporate, SUK Perak.