BINTULU: Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has called on the contractor for the 17.1-kilometre ‘redline’ short-stretch upgrade along the Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak to complete the project ahead of its 16-month timeframe.
He said the government had allocated RM119 million for the short-stretch component, which involved upgrading existing road sections not covered under the original Pan Borneo Highway project.
“We want them to complete the works for this short stretch earlier than 16 months. They have assured us that this can be achieved,” he said during a working visit to the redline short-stretch upgrade project here today (Sept 21).
Nanta said the redline refers to a total 136.74km of sections along the Pan Borneo Highway route that were left out of the original project and subsequently identified for upgrading to bring them in line with the completed Pan Borneo Highway sections.
“The redline means that during the initial planning and implementation of the Pan Borneo project, the 136.7km stretch from Telok Melano onwards was left out. At that time, only overtaking lanes were provided in certain sections, but they did not reach the U5 standard of the Pan Borneo Highway,” he said.
He said this has resulted in some users questioning why certain sections of the route were not as comfortable as other completed portions of the Pan Borneo Highway.
The redline stretch, he said, has been divided into two components, the 17.1km short stretch and the longer 119.64km stretch to facilitate more efficient implementation and monitoring.
Nanta said the short stretch has been awarded to DAL-HCM Sdn Bhd, which is also the company appointed to undertake federal road maintenance works in Sarawak. The contractor received the site on Sept 17, while the acceptance letter was issued on Aug 18. The project is targeted for completion in early 2028.
The short stretch involves upgrading nine locations, including sections in Lachau, Selangau, Balingian, Kemena, Sebiew and Tudan. The works include upgrading the road pavement structure and improving road safety features.
On the 119.64km long stretch, Nanta said the implementation approach is currently being refined by the State Planning Unit (UKAS) and the Works Ministry before it could be harmonised for implementation.
He said the Salim-Durin section would receive particular attention as it is among the longer stretches requiring substantial upgrading.
“For those in Sarawak who use the Pan Borneo Highway, they know why we are focusing on that area. The condition of the Pan Borneo section there is not perfect, and this is one of the areas we need to address,” he said.
Nanta said the upgrading works are important not only to improve road infrastructure but also to ensure the comfort and safety of road users in Sarawak.
He added that the Works Ministry and JKR Sarawak would closely monitor the project to ensure the contractor complied with the required safety standards, quality and timeline.
“We have to monitor it together, with JKR Sarawak being closer to the ground. The Works Ministry will also continue to monitor the project,” he said.
Nanta also stressed that ministry officials would continue conducting site visits to assess the actual conditions on the ground, saying road users’ safety and comfort remained the priority.
