Increase Marris allocations for better service, Batu Lintang rep tells Putrajaya

KUCHING (Jan 30): The federal government is urged to revise and increase allocations for the Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris) to all states, particularly Sarawak.

Batu Lintang State Assemblyman See Chee How said a higher allocation would allow the scope of works under Marris to be expanded, enabling better service to the people.

“In 2025, Sarawak is reported to have received RM435 million, or less than 8 per cent of the budgeted RM5.5 billion in Marris grants allocated to all states.

“Sarawak, however, has undertaken a commendable initiative to convert over 5,000km of former logging roads into village routes and register them under Marris to secure permanent maintenance funding,” he said in a statement.

See also expressed hope that the Sarawak government would negotiate for a higher Marris allocation, as provided under Section 6(1) of Part II of the Tenth Schedule.

“The increase in allocation for Sarawak under the Marris grant is necessary, as the present allocation is insufficient for local authorities and agencies to carry out repair and maintenance works along the almost 16,000km of state roads under their jurisdiction,” he said.

He pointed out that conspicuously missing from the list of permitted works are drainage systems and footpaths along the back lanes of residential estates.

Without dedicated funding for regular maintenance, he said these facilities deteriorate over time, creating persistent challenges for local authorities and agencies.

“We hope the federal government will soon revise the list of permitted works under Marris grants and allocate specific funding for drainage and footpath maintenance, particularly in older residential areas,” he stressed.

To address these issues, the Sarawak government has introduced the Rural Transformation Projects (RTP) initiative, aimed at repairing, maintaining, and reconstructing drainage systems and pedestrian walkways for the safety, hygiene, and comfort of residents.

See noted that RTP projects in his constituency have helped resolve long-standing drainage and footpath problems.

On Monday, he handed over project sites to contractors for three RTP projects including the repair and rehabilitation of drainage and pedestrian walkways at the back lanes of Lorong Laman Bong Chin 7, the repair and rehabilitation of drainage and pedestrian walkways at the back lanes of Lorong Laksamana Cheng Ho 2A & 2A1, and the repair and rehabilitation of drainage and pedestrian walkways at the back lanes of Lorong Bayor Bukit 2 & 4.

The handover was witnessed by Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, Deputy Mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili, community leaders, and local residents.

According to See, these essential projects are part of broader flood mitigation initiatives aimed at improving drainage capacity, enhancing water flow efficiency, reducing flash flood occurrences in surrounding neighbourhoods, and simultaneously improving pedestrian safety and accessibility for residents.