SIBU: The Durin-Salim stretch of the Pan Borneo Highway has been identified as the top priority under the Redline Project, with RM231 million allocated for upgrading works under Budget 2026, announced Works Minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, today.
He explained that the Durin-Salim road, long identified as a high-risk section, has suffered extensive wear and tear, and now requires complete rebuilding to meet modern safety standards.
“This section can no longer be repaired through minor works. It needs full reconstruction.
“The Redline project will bring it up to the same quality standard as the rest of the Pan Borneo Highway so that the entire route, from Telok Melanau to Miri, forms one continuous, safe highway,” he said.
He clarified that the Redline stretches were not part of the original Pan Borneo Highway contract, resulting in uneven road quality along certain segments.
“When the Pan Borneo project was first implemented, these older sections were left out.
“Now that they’ve deteriorated badly, we must rebuild them. It’s not fair for people to assume that Pan Borneo roads are already failing: these are actually separate, older stretches,” he said.
Additionally, he said the Durin-Salim section was prioritised due to frequent accidents reported along the route.
“Several lives have been lost here. That’s why this section has been categorised as critical and must be upgraded without delay,” he urged.
Once the Budget 2026 allocation is formally approved in Parliament later this year, work is expected to begin in early 2026.
The project will include new pavement construction, drainage improvements, and safer lane alignments to accommodate heavy traffic and enhance driving comfort.
Nanta added that the Redline Project’s total cost across Sarawak is expected to exceed RM900 million, with other sections, including Kemena, Tudan, and Batu Kawa-Padawan, to follow.
