KINABATANGAN – Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob today launched the Sabah Eastern Zone Pan Borneo Highway for the Sandakan-Kinabatangan-Beluran-Telupid alignment.
The PM said the project involves three packages – package 28, 29, and 30 – over 58km, costing RM877 million.
He said the scope of the project involves works to upgrade the road from a single to dual carriageway, the construction of three bridges, and a multi-level interchange.
“When completed,provide com the route will fortable, efficient, and safe land access to residents,” he said during the launching ceremony at Dataran Tamu Pekan, Kota Kinabatangan, here today.
Also present were Minister in the PM’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili, Deputy Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, and Deputy Works Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup.
Ismail Sabri said construction for the project had started this month and it is scheduled to be fully completed in three years by October 2024.
He said the route would facilitate logistics and marketing of agricultural produce in Telusid, and also help promote tourism around Sandakan.
“The implementation of the Pan Borneo Highway proves the commitment of the federal government in developing a planned, systematic, and efficient road infrastructure network for the Malaysian Family here.
“It is to ensure better socio-economic development to benefit the people in this state, in line with the 12th Malaysia Plan,” he said.
On concerns of internet access problems in Sabah’s rural areas, the PM said under the National Digital Network (Jendela) programme, the government has allocated RM3.5 billion to build 534 telecommunication towers in the state.
Ismail Sabri said the government assures that the Jendela project will be completed in two years.
Meanwhile, he said there are 105 new projects in Sabah costing RM1.9 billion – for road upgrades, electricity supply, and clean water, among others.
He said the construction of a new multi-purpose hall in Kota Kinabatangan costing RM6 million, a Kota Kinabatangan public market (RM3 million), and a waste disposal centre in Kinabatangan (RM3 million) were also approved.
In a media conference after the ceremony, the PM said a private finance initiative (PFI) is among the methods being studied to expedite the implementation of the Pan Borneo Highway.
“There are delays in the (project) implementation as the previous government cancelled the PDP (project delivery partner) concept. Therefore, this time we must find a way to ensure the project is implemented fast for the people. Among them, a PFI is being studied and discussed,” he said. – Bernama, November 6, 2021
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