Online system to handle Ipoh road excavation applications

Rumaizi (second from right) exchanging an MOU with Redza Rafiq (second from left). With them are (from left) Adham Nasri, Mohammad Nizar and Ipoh city councillor Wong Kar Keat. — Courtesy photo

ALL applications involving road excavation works in the city will be made through Darul Ridzuan Utility Corridor Sdn Bhd (KUDR) starting July 1.

Ipoh mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said applications would be made through KUDR Online System or Kudrat.

“Ipoh City Council (MBI) is no longer accepting permit and excavation applications,” he said during a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony between KUDR and MBI.

KUDR was represented by its executive director Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak.

The signing ceremony at the MBI headquarters was witnessed by Perak infrastructure, energy, water and public transport committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.

Rumaizi said KUDR would process all planned work applications from utility companies and submit these applications to the city council for approval.

“The city council will also provide and share important data as needed by KUDR to facilitate the registration of utility company applications,” he added.

KUDR was launched last month as a coordinating agency and one-stop centre to manage the application, development, maintenance and relocation procedures for utilities on existing and new roads.

Rumaizi said the online system and digitalisation of infrastructure data collection could streamline applications from utility providers as a reference for the approving authority.

“It can also serve as a reference for relevant technical departments and agencies.

“This will enhance efficiency, safety and quality of work, which aligns with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 agenda and MBI’s Strategic Planning Plan 2021-2030,” he said.

Mohammad Nizar said the KUDR and Kudrat initiatives reflected the state’s awareness in ensuring the need for technological advancement to address challenges faced by all stakeholders in the utility industry, including government agencies.

“The steps taken by MBI are expected to be followed by all local governments in the state,” he added.

Redza Rafiq said Kudrat had already received applications from various utility providers.

He said that with KUDR as a one-stop centre, it enabled proactive steps to be taken to address issues and complexities in permit excavation processes, difficulties in obtaining approvals, monitoring works, maintenance, development and upgrading of facilities as well as the difficulties in obtaining accurate utility data.

KUDR chief executive officer Adham Nasri Mohamad said all applications made through Kudrat would contribute to the collection of applicant and utility data in Perak.

“Kudrat not only receives applications online but also includes a system to record assets and maintenance reminders digitally for roads under the city council’s jurisdiction,” he added.