Works Ministry Intensifying Preparations For Monsoon Season Says Minister

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The Works Ministry is intensifying preparations for the year-end monsoon by activating its central disaster operations room, known as the Disaster Operations Room (Big Ben). — Bernama picJOHOR BAHRU, Sept 28 — The Works Ministry is intensifying preparations for the year-end monsoon by activating its central disaster operations room, known as the Disaster Operations Room (Big Ben), said Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
Ahmad, who is also Pontian Member of Parliament, said that the system, which uses green, yellow and red warning codes, enables the ministry to coordinate immediate action during floods and landslides, ensuring road users receive timely safety information via the Public Works Department (JKR) website and social media platforms.
“The centre, located at the JKR headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, will be activated when the monsoon season begins and will operate round the clock once the situation reaches the red category. Officers will be stationed with real-time mapping systems and communication equipment to provide updates on road closures, diversions and repair works,” he said.
He said this at a press conference after officiating the closing ceremony of the Project Ideation Experience (PIE) 2025 at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Skudai campus here yesterday.
On the floods in Sabah, Ahmad called on the Sabah JKR to reassess the damage estimates involving roads and slopes in the state following the recent floods and landslides.
He said the initial figures he received from the JKR indicated significant damage, but stressed that they needed to be reviewed to ensure accuracy before further action could be taken.
“Yesterday, I was informed by an officer of the preliminary damage estimates involving slopes and roads. However, I have asked that the figures be thoroughly refined so that they are not overstated... a second round of inspections may be necessary.
“I will also be in Sabah again next week to inspect several affected locations,” he said when asked to comment on the flood damage situation in the state.
In another development, Ahmad said the ministry will seek a higher allocation under Budget 2026 to ensure road infrastructure nationwide is properly maintained.
“This year we received RM9.3 billion - the highest among ministries. Part of the allocation will be channelled for road and slope repairs in Sabah. We hope the figure will be increased as the damage is extensive and involves federal roads,” he said.
“Whether or not additional funds are approved under Budget 2026, repair works will still proceed using existing allocations to ensure critical roads and slopes are addressed immediately.
“The Sabahans need not worry. If no additional funds are provided, we will reallocate from the current ministry’s budget to ensure the affected roads and slopes are repaired,” he said. — Bernama

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