KUCHING: The Pan Borneo Highway (LPB) Sarawak, a federal infrastructure initiative to enhance road connectivity across Sarawak, is making significant progress, with nine out of eleven work packages in Phase 1 already completed.
Federal Minister of Works, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said that nine completed sections span 641 kilometres with the remaining two packages scheduled for completion in 2025.
“Among the sections that have been completed and opened to the public in stages is the WPC02 Package, a 95-kilometre stretch from Sematan to Sungai Moyan Bridge, which was completed on March 25, 2024.
“The WPC08 Package, from Sungai Kua Bridge to Sungai Arip Bridge, a span of 63 kilometres, was completed on August 2, 2024, while the WCP09 Package consisting of 65 kilometres from Sungari Arip Bridge to Bintulu Airport Interchange was completed on November 5, 2024.
“The remaining two work packages, WPC06 running for 65 kilometres, is expected to finish by the second quarter of 2025, while WPC11 running for 80 kilometres, excluding the Lambir Section in Miri, is expected to finish by the fourth quarter of 2025,” he said.
Nanta was responding to Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim’s query on the progress of Phase 1 of the highway project in Parliament today (March 5).
However, the four kilometres in the Lambir Section in Miri requires redesigning and is expected to be completed by October 2027.
Nanta assured that upon completion, the LPB Sarawak Project will improve road connectivity to Sabah and Brunei, create jobs, drive socio-economic growth, and ensure faster, safer, and more comfortable travel for Sarawakians.
“Upon full completion, the LPB Sarawak Project will enhance the road network in Sarawak and establish better connectivity to Sabah and Brunei Darussalam.
“But it will also create job opportunities, boost socio-economic development, and provide faster, more comfortable, and safer travel for Sarawakians,” he said.
Nanta also said the government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the LPB project stays on track, taking strict action against contractors who fail to meet deadlines.
“Among the measures taken are the issuance of warning notices, contract coordination meetings (CCP), liquidated ascertained damages (LAD) enforcement penalties, and contract termination for non-compliances.
“To maintain transparency and accountability, the Ministry is working closely with the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU), Prime Minister’s Department, and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB).
“Regular project monitoring and progress reports are also being conducted to ensure smooth execution,” he said.
Additionally, Nanta assured the government will not compromise on timely delivery, taking necessary action against any parties failing to fulfill responsibilities.
“The government will not compromise on ensuring the LPB Project is completed on schedule by taking strict action against any party failing to fulfill their responsibilities for the benefit of the people and national development,” he concluded.
