By WU VUIDE
SUKAU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has urged agencies involved in the Pan Borneo Highway programme to coordinate efforts to ensure the project is completed on schedule.
He said the project’s physical progress currently stands at about 12.35 per cent, compared with the original target of 15.30 per cent, while financial progress is at 11.52 per cent.
The project, valued at about RM269.9 million, is scheduled for completion within 36 months, with a target date of February 2028.
Among the main construction components are a flyover, bus stops, pedestrian bridges, drainage and culvert systems, all designed to enhance the safety and comfort of road users.
Hajiji was informed of this during a briefing by the Public Works Department (JKR) at the WP25 worksite while travelling from Sandakan to Lahad Datu in conjunction with his Security Inspection Visit to the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).
The WP25 package spans about 14.96 kilometres from Kampung Perpaduan Datuk Moh to Sukau.
He was accompanied by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin; State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong; Sabah Federal Secretary Datuk Mohd Razali Wahab; as well as assistant ministers and senior government officials.
Hajiji was also informed of several major constraints affecting work progress, including issues involving utility relocation, land acquisition and the demolition of existing structures.
Utility-related problems were identified as among the main factors slowing earthworks, in addition to logistical challenges and temporary access issues within the project area.
Apart from WP25, Hajiji was also briefed on the progress of the nearby WP24 package, which involves a 15.88-kilometre stretch from Sungai Takala to Kampung Perpaduan Datuk Moh.
For WP24, physical progress as of April 2026 was recorded at about 15.60 per cent, with slight delays compared with the original schedule.
In this regard, Hajiji said effective coordination among all agencies involved to address on-site issues, including expediting land acquisition and utility relocation, is crucial to avoid affecting the project timeline.
He said the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway Project Phase 1B is among the government’s strategic initiatives to strengthen the road infrastructure network, thereby boosting economic growth and connecting key areas on Sabah’s east coast.
“The State Government will ensure that every development project is implemented in a well-planned manner, closely monitored and completed on schedule for the benefit of the people,” he said.
Hajiji (left), is briefed during a visit to inspect the progress of the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway WP25 package project in Sukau.
