KUALA LUMPUR: The Works Ministry has assured that the Pan Borneo Highway project in Sabah is on track despite delays in two key stretches within the Sipitang constituency.
Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the 706km project was divided into 35 work packages, with WP01 covering Sindumin to Melalia (28.5km) and WP02 from Melalia to Beaufort (34.7km).
“The scope includes widening the road from two lanes to four, constructing new bridges, upgrading drainage, and improving road safety,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question by Sipitang member of parliament Datuk Matbali Musah on the lack of progress of WP01 and WP02.
Ahmad said, as of July 31, WP01 had reached 84.22 per cent progress against a target of 87.43, while WP02 stood at 58.14 per cent against 60.89.
He attributed the delays to weather conditions, unresolved land acquisition issues, and labour shortages. The ministry was targeting full completion of both packages by the first quarter of 2027, subject to contractors’ performance.
Ahmad said close monitoring by the Sabah Public Works Department and the ministry was ongoing.
“Improvement measures include stronger project controls, continuous monitoring, and direct involvement of senior management through the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway Project Steering Committee.”
Addressing safety concerns raised in Sipitang, he said lighting was installed only at junctions and roundabouts due to budget constraints, while warning signs, patrols, and public liability insurance were already part of the contractors’ obligations.
“Any complaints, such as vehicle damage, can be brought to the contractor, and no work may begin without public liability insurance,” he added.
When asked by Kulim-Bandar Baharu MP Roslan Hashim on claims that political awards had led to poor contractor performance, Ahmad dismissed the allegations as mere perception and allegations.
Nevertheless, he admitted reprimanding the contractor over the roads not being maintained during a visit to Telupid-Sandakan.
“It is the contractor’s responsibility to maintain existing adjacent roads. If they fail, Sabah PWD may appoint another contractor and deduct the costs. So far, this has not been done, but we are monitoring and issuing warnings,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
