PETALING JAYA: The government has approved the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit Line 3 (MRT3) project and the expansion of the Pan Borneo Highway (LPB) project, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

       The Prime Minister said priority will be given to local contractors especially bumiputras to generate business opportunities as well as to create employment opportunities.

       "This will spur economic growth and development, in particular the government’s objective to further strengthen the business sector, as well as to create 600,000 jobs this year.

       "Implementation of the MRT 3 project will complement the existing public transport infrastructure in the Klang Valley to provide integrated, affordable and seamless services for Malaysians.

       "In relation to the LPB, the first phase of the Sabah LPB is being implemented and involves 15 packages in which work progress so far has reached 52% and is expected to be completed by October 2024.

       "To improve the link, the government has agreed to continue the implementation of 19 additional work packages that will involve an alignment of 367km with a construction period of five years.

       "The first phase of Sarawak LPB will involve a range of 786km and has achieved 78% work progress so far.

       "To complement Sarawak LPB, the government also agreed to implement the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) project and the Trans Borneo Highway project," he said in a statement Friday (March 4).

       Ismail Sabri said for flood mitigation projects, the government is currently preparing a development allocation of RM1bil per annum under the 12th Malaysia Plan.

       "Taking into account the severe north-east monsoon flood phenomenon resulting in loss of lives and damaged properties, the Cabinet has decided to increase and expedite flood mitigation projects with additional expenditure of RM15bil between 2023 and 2030," he added.

       He said implementation of high-impact infrastructure projects in the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak including construction of integrated rail networks and highways as well as flood mitigation projects will spur economic development as well as contribute to national competitiveness and the well-being of the people.