High diesel prices will impact roadworks nationwide, says Malaysian minister
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Malaysia's Deputy Works Minister Ahmad Maslan estimated that over one-third of the 855 ongoing projects under his ministry would face delays as a result of the Middle East conflict.
PHOTO: EPA
KULAI – Roadworks across Malaysia are expected to face completion delays as contractors find it challenging to proceed amid the high diesel prices, Deputy Works Minister Ahmad Maslan said.
He said this was because most of the heavy machinery used in such projects, like steamrollers and lorries, runs on diesel.
“I have received several requests from contractors for a time extension and project slowdowns, including activating only half of their machinery,” he said after a meeting with the Kulai Public Works Department on April 13.
“For example, they have 10 machines on-site, and they want to operate only five,” Datuk Seri Ahmad said, adding that road repairs and the construction of new roads will be affected.
“Officially, we cannot allow them to stop work because this will cause delays, but I will bring up the matter for post-Cabinet discussions this week.”
He estimated that more than one-third of the 855 ongoing projects under his ministry would face delays as a result of the Middle East conflict. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
