KUCHING: Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen has raised serious concerns over the escalating cost and prolonged delay of the Jalan Matang Baru Phase 2 upgrading project.
“The 4.4-kilometre project, which was initially awarded at RM28.69 million, has now ballooned to RM75.49 million,” he said, citing a written reply he received in April 2025 from the Sarawak Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development. The reply was in response to a question he had submitted during the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting in November 2024.
“Despite taking six months to respond, the reply remains inadequate and leaves many critical questions unanswered,” Chong said.
He pointed out that the project began in March 2019 and was originally scheduled for completion in March 2021. However, it is now expected to be completed only by August 2026—a delay of six and a half years.
“With the cost nearly tripled, Sarawakians are being made to bear the burden of this drastic overrun. In the meantime, residents in the Matang area continue to suffer from long traffic jams and increased fuel costs due to the delay,” he said.
Chong attributed the situation to the appointment of an underperforming contractor by the Public Works Department (JKR), which he said has led to unnecessary public spending and hardship for the people.
“In light of this, the public deserves to know: How was the initial contractor selected? What action or compensation has JKR pursued against the contractor for failing to deliver? How could a project originally planned for 24 months end up dragging on for over six years—even accounting for two years of Covid-related disruptions? And finally, what measures will be taken to compensate the people affected by this delay?” he asked.
Chong stressed that in any public project, the government must act with responsibility and accountability, especially when the livelihoods and daily lives of the people are directly impacted.
By Connie Chieng