JOHOR BARU: Contractors appointed by the Works Ministry will have to come up with comprehensive plans on managing traffic during the construction period. 

Experts in traffic management would be needed to ensure proper plans were submitted to the ministry for approval, Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said. 

"Contractors just cannot put up a few cones and walk away. At night, without proper lights, accidents can happen," he said, adding that the requirement would be implemented nationwide. 

Traffic management was also needed along highways, including the North-South Expressway, he added. "I will contact PLUS to come up with a traffic management system (for sections that are being upgraded)." 

 Infrastructure project: Samy Vellu (left), Abdul Ghani (second from left) and Pasir Gudang MP Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin (fourth from left) and others looking at a model of the road to Pasir Gudang and the Permas Jaya second bridge after the groundbreaking ceremony in Johor Baru yesterday. 

Told about the massive traffic jams caused by construction work at the RM210mil Perling interchange in Skudai, Samy Vellu directed his officers to get the contractor to immediately come up with a proposal to manage traffic there. 

Asked about the traffic problems the state would face with the many infrastructure projects expected to kick off this year, he said: ?If (the contractors) cannot put up the proper signages, we will do it for them and charge them.? 

Samy Vellu was speaking to reporters after performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the RM175mil Permas Jaya second bridge and a road to Pasir Gudang yesterday. 

Asked about the Pasir Gudang Highway, especially the potholes and the possible upgrading of the road to six lanes, he said that there were no plans at the moment. 

"Pasir Gudang is heavily used. Despite repair works, problems will occur after some time," he added. 

Samy Vellu said that for certain projects, the contractors would have to meet with his ministry every two months to assess progress.  

"We want to know the problems they face, whether they are following regulations, and the names of the subcontractors hired." 

He said the funds would now be channelled directly to the subcontractors, and added that temporary fines would be imposed on contractors who did not meet work progression deadlines. 

However, the money would be returned if the projects were completed on schedule.