KUCHING: The proposed Mile 8 interchange, commonly referred to as a flyover by locals, is expected to be tendered in 2026 under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), said Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai.
He said if construction could begin by early 2027, it would already be considered fast, given the typical duration of the open tender and evaluation process.
Tan said the council continues to receive numerous complaints about massive traffic jams at the location, especially during peak hours.
“As a local council, we hope the project can be implemented as early as possible,” he said when contacted today (July 15).
Tan added that he has not been briefed on the project design but confirmed it has already been approved by the relevant authorities.
Public interest in the project resurfaced this week after a photo of the Mile 8 junction went viral on social media and messaging apps.
Located near Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Wira Penrissen, the junction is a known congestion hotspot along the busy Jalan Kuching-Serian corridor.
In 2024, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the RM400 million project could begin in 2025 if early works were completed.
He also clarified that Mile 8 is not included under the Pan Borneo Highway but now suffers from severe traffic congestion.
