Consultant to study Matang road — Fadillah

KUCHING: A consultant has recently been appointed to study the proposed four-lane road from Matang Jaya to the Matang-Batu Kawa junction.

According to Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusuf, the tender for the project will be opened once the study by the consultant has been completed.

“The project is part of the alternative Matang-Stapok Road which includes the construction of a bridge with an estimated length of eight kilometres from the Emart roundabout in Matang Jaya to the Stapok main road,” said Fadillah, who is also Petra Jaya MP.

He was speaking at the opening ceremony of Tupong N6 Quranic Recital and Nasyid competition at Masjid Darul Hikmat at Kampung Sejijak on Sunday night.

Fadillah elaborated that the proposed road will link Stapok and Kim Hin Road which also connects Kuching International Airport here.

“It is our wish that the project can start next year as it will benefit over 50,000 road users and will divert traffic from the main road through the city centre,” he said.

Estimated to cost around RM145 million, the project covers construction of the road, upgrading of the current road, bridges, land compensation and consultant fees.

Earlier on at the event, Fadillah praised villagers for organising the competition as a way to strengthen their relationship between each other apart from educating Muslims to understand the right way to recite the Quran.

“The event also opens the path for the younger generations especially to be closer to religious activities,” he added.

A total of 30 men and 18 women are participating in the contest, while six groups are competing in the nasyid competition, with both events to be conducted until April 10.

The closing ceremony is expected to be graced by Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman on April 10.

Also present yesterday was Masjid Darul Hikmat chairperson Nurdini Madink.

-originally posted on Borneo Post, 8 April 2014