KUALA LUMPUR – Independent auditors will be introduced as part of future highway maintenance contracts starting in 2026, as the Works Ministry moves to strengthen oversight and accountability.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the involvement of third-party auditors would complement existing monitoring by the Public Works Department (JKR), ensuring that evaluations are not left solely to government officers.
“Without external auditors, we would have to rely entirely on JKR personnel to ensure maintenance work is carried out properly,” he told Bernama following his appearance on a *Bernama Radio* programme today.
Nanta said that most current highway maintenance contracts are due to expire in February 2026, and the ministry is taking the opportunity to improve contract frameworks ahead of renewal.
He added that the public deserved safe and well-maintained roads, and the inclusion of independent auditors would help raise standards of integrity and transparency.
During the programme, the minister also reiterated that highway concessionaires must comply with their contractual obligations and deliver services responsibly.
He acknowledged persistent public dissatisfaction with certain contractors, including viral complaints shared on social media.
“As such, I have gone down to the ground with senior officers from the Works Ministry and JKR to assess the actual situation on site,” he said.
He added that the government was reviewing whether legal action or penalties should be imposed in cases where fatal accidents can be linked to negligence, particularly when maintenance obligations have not been fulfilled.
Nanta said existing contracts already provide for payment deductions in cases of non-performance, including failures related to road safety.
Contracts may also be terminated if concessionaires are found to be negligent or in breach of their responsibilities.
On the MYJalan mobile application, he said that between August 2023 and June 30, 2025, a total of 39,371 complaints were recorded.
Of these, 11,959 — 30.4% — were found to fall under the Work Ministry’s jurisdiction and referred for further investigation and action.
The remaining 69.6% were categorised as “No Wrong Door” (NWD) complaints, meaning they were redirected to the appropriate agencies. — July 24, 2025
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