SANDAKAN – The Pan Borneo Highway project in Sabah is dependent on a complete allocation from the federal government, said Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
The deputy chief minister said the project has 35 packages, and 11 of them have been approved for construction.
He expressed hope that the allocation will be completed next year under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
“One package in Tawau was re-tendered, and three are currently selecting contactors. There are still 20 packages untouched.
“We hope that the federal government will approve the allocation for the remaining 20 packages as soon as possible, so work can commence early next year.”
Resuming the project will have a positive impact on Sabah’s economy, attracting investors to the state, he said.
RM3.8 billion is allocated for the project under Budget 2021, tabled by Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz on Friday.
Bung Moktar said the allocation includes the construction of a “missing link” connecting Tuaran to Kota Belud, involving a 21km road under the Serusop-Pituru package.
On his first day as state works minister in September, Bung Moktar told The Vibes that the Pan Borneo Highway project must be hastened.
He said Sabah has completed only 18% to 20% of the project, while Sarawak is halfway done with its portion.
The multibillion-ringgit 2,239km highway will connect the two states.
The portion in Sabah stretches over 1,236km, to be built in three phases. Phase 1 alone is reported to cost RM12.86 billion. – The Vibes, November 8, 2020
