The Pan Borneo Highway is a tale as old as time. However, more than half a century later, the end is finally in sight. According to senior works minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, construction of the highway is at 82% completion, and is scheduled to be done within the next five years.
He told the Bernama that four packages, namely the Telok Melano-Sematan, Nyabau, Serian-Balai Ringin and Julau sections have already been fully completed.
“The remaining packages, hopefully, will be completed by the end of this year. It’s only we anticipate that one or two packages could be delayed due to the challenges, especially the shortage of building materials and their rising costs,” he said, adding that contractors are also dealing with increasing diesel and steel prices.
Manpower is another issue – “Sarawak only accepts foreign workers from neighbouring country,” he added, but emphasised that the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) and the Works Ministry are working closely to complete phase one by end-2022.
“The JKR’s responsibility is to get ready the highway which will connect the divisions in Sarawak. Our target in the next five years is to complete the remaining part of the Pan Borneo phase two project and the Trans Borneo Sarawak, covering the Brunei by-pass.
Phase one of the Pan Borneo Sarawak Highway project (worth RM16.117 billion) involves 11 work packages with a 786-kilometre route from Telok Melano, while the second phase from Limbang to Lawas is expected to be ready by 2028.
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Not “she” is “he”, Datuk Seri Ir. Fadillah Yusof
Just listen first.
The 5-6 decades dream still like nightmare, just drove SBW-BTU-SBW last week, truly stressful journey with so many unexpected sudden turns and bad road conditions, wheels were flying the land few times with the speed of less than 80km/h.
Trims kaseh Pak Najib making this a reality for the benefit of all rakyat #BetterNation
Unfortunately the project was severely delayed after May 2018 when the payment to the contractors were hold by the previous government. The termination of the Project Delivery Partner (PDP) has further hampered the progress and making the Sabah section was put on hold endlessly. COVID-19 has make the matter worsen until no Manpower and hike in building materials. From this project, we can definitely observe who is really concern on the people rather than spreading propaganda.
Payments were delayed to certain parcels but not all due to unsatisfactory work quality, as some said the upgraded roads were hardly an improvement due to poor workmanship so I think it was justified to withheld payments until these were made good. The PDP termination by PH when they came otoh was totally unacceptable and delays can be fully attributed to them. Remember who ruled Sabah after GE14.
u mean the sarawak part only right?
the people of borneo has been listen to this project since the past 20-30 years, everytime there is PRU, this project will be rebrand and relaunch again and again… so hopefuli we wont have to wait another few PRU again to see it done..
The ironic thing is, if GE14 had gone on as most predicted, and no Covid, Najib might have completed PBH by now. As Fate had put a spanner into Malaysia development we just have to accept Its decision and recover from It.
It was an unfortunate timing for Sabahans when the Pan Borneo reached Sabah side, a certain Gomen taken over from 2018 to 2020 and that was when the project stalled for Sabah portion. It only got restarted again once a certain Gomen overthrew the previous one but by then progress was further delayed due to Covid.