Call to reduce accidents along RM18 bil Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak

SARAWAK DAP chairman Chong Chien Jen has called for measures to be taken to enhance the safety aspects of the Pan Borneo Highway, especially those stretches prone to serious accidents.

The Stampin MP today said latest statistics by the road transport authorities have shown that bad road conditions featured as among the main factors contributing to accidents along the highway.

Speaking at a road safety awareness campaign in Kuching today, he said road conditions contributed to some 13.2% of accident cases.

“This shows that there is a need to improve the safety aspects along the Pan Borneo Highway, especially in those areas with risky spots prone to accidents.

“There is also a need for stricter monitoring as human negligence contributed to 80.6% of the cases and vehicle problems 6.2%.

“The general situation is that accidents along roads and highways are surging,” he said.

The 1,000km-long Pan Borneo Highway project in Sarawak is now 98% complete.

All the completed sections have been opened for public use, and the remainder is expected be fully done by March.

For the record, the Sarawak portion of the highway costs about RM18 billion.

Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg had on December 4 paid glowing tribute to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the late chief minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem for turning the vital mega-project into a reality.

Abang Johari said the Pan Borneo Highway is set to transform the socioeconomic and industrial scene throughout Sarawak. He credited Najib and Adenan as the two top figures who had fought for the it to be brought to Sarawak.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who was also at the dinner, said the Sarawak portion of the Pan Borneo Highway is 98% completed.

Meanwhile, The Vibes observed that contractors have been busy getting ready the last major portion of the Pan Borneo Highway still under construction at Lambir district about 30km south of Miri city.

The Lambir portion measures about 30km long and will connect to the interior Baram district via a feeder trunk road.

The Limbang-Lawas portion in northernmost Sarawak after the Brunei border measures about 200km. The Lawas section will then be linked to Sabah.

The Sabah section of the highway is about 700 km long and still under construction. – The Vibes, February 8, 2024