KUALA LUMPUR: The federal government has restructured the implementation of the Pan Borneo Highway Phase 2 in Sarawak, redistributing its remaining sections under two major highway projects to improve efficiency and accelerate delivery.
Works Minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, said the original Phase 2 alignment has been divided between the Trans Borneo Highway (LTB) and the Northern Coastal Highway (NCH), following a question from Senator Datuk Ahmad Datuk Seri Ibrahim in the Dewan Negara.
He said the Miri section, now part of the Trans Borneo Highway, spans 4.951 kilometres and is currently in the pre-construction stage.
“The procurement tender is ongoing, and physical construction for the Miri section is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
“The Limbang and Lawas stretches have been placed under the Northern Coastal Highway, which RECODA is implementing under the Sarawak Government’s supervision,” he said.
Nanta also reported that the overall Pan Borneo Highway Phase 1 in Sarawak – covering 786 kilometres – is nearing completion.
“As of October 2025, overall progress has reached 99.98 per cent, with ten out of eleven work packages fully completed and opened in stages for public use,” he said.
Only Work Package 11 in Miri remains unfinished due to the need to replace LAKU-owned water pipes before road-upgrading works can proceed.
“The pipe replacement must be completed first to avoid water disruptions and prevent future road damage,” Nanta explained.
He added that negotiations between the ministry, JKR Sarawak and contractors are underway to revise costs and scopes of work.
Phased construction is targeted to begin in early 2026, with full completion scheduled for the first quarter of 2029.
Nanta said the ministry has strengthened its oversight mechanisms to prevent delays arising from contractor performance issues or funding constraints.
“Regular monitoring will ensure all works follow the approved scope and specifications.
“Experienced site supervisors and consulting engineers will be appointed, and strict compliance with schedules will be enforced,” he said.
He added that stronger contract administration, including enforcing Liquidated and Ascertained Damages (LAD), would help deter non-performance.
“Effective financial management and timely payments are essential because payment delays can trigger cash-flow problems for contractors and slow down progress,” he said.
The ministry will also monitor the risk of rising construction material prices and consider appropriate contract clauses to address cost fluctuations.
