A 33KM stretch from Telok Melano to Sematan at the southern tip of Sarawak is the first section of the Pan Borneo Highway to be completed.

The stretch, which now connects a once isolated Malay fishing village of 200 people to the outside world, was not even part of the original highway plan until former chief minister Adenan Satem pushed for it.

Adenan died in office in January 2017.

Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg, who jointly declared the RM580 million road “open” today with Works Minister Baru Bian, said it’s a “perfect birthday gift” from Adenan, whose birthday is today, to the people of Sematan, who he had represented as Tanjung Datu assemblyman. 

Prior to this the village could only be reached by motorcycle via a jungle track or by boat – a journey that could take up to four hours.

Unlike the rest of the Pan Borneo Highway, which is a four-lane highway, the Telok Melano-Sematan stretch is a two-lane road.

Abang Johari said with the opening up of Telok Melano, could be developed into a tourism spot as its beaches, fishing spots, chalets and resorts and four national parks would be a pull for visitors.

The Samunsam wildlife sanctuary, whose eastern edge the road traverses through, is home to the threatened Proboscis monkey.

Baru said with the Telok Melano stretch included in the highway plan, the Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak is now 786km long.

The cost of construction is RM16.49 billion. 

Updating on the progress of work, Baru said 35% of the highway has been completed.

Work was divided into 10 contract packages that included the construction of 15 bridges, 25 elevated interchanges, three rest and service areas, and six lay-bys. 

Baru said the Sarawak stretch of the highway is projected to be completed by June 2021. – January 26, 2019.