WORKS Minister Baru Bian is unhappy with the quality of construction work for Miri-Sibu segment of the Pan Borneo Highway project, saying contractors need to improve.

After visiting the site of the highway bridge in Miri that collapsed Friday for an on-site briefing late yesterday afternoon, Baru had to take a 245km drive on the highway to get to Tatau in Bintulu for a Christmas gathering later that night.

He then had to take an early morning 161km drive to Sibu so he could be in time for the symbolic “stitching” ceremony of the Durin bridge on the Rajang River.

“I was driving from Miri to Bintulu last night and from Bintulu to Sibu this morning along the Pan Borneo Highway to do a spot check because I received many complaints about the conditions of the highway,” Baru said.

“I wanted to feel the Selangau stretch for myself, and the work packages from Miri to Sibu.

“I am not happy. There are many potholes and these pose a danger to road users, especially at night when visibility is poor,” he said, adding he understood the challenges faced by contractors but they must still adhere to certain standards.

“I understand the challenges faced by the contractors but I am giving a stern warning today to the WPCs (sub-contractors) that my ministry will be monitoring all works very closely and I will not compromise on this,” he told reporters in Sibu today.

In a posting on his Facebook page, Baru said he is now giving work package contractors (WPC) “a stern warning” to comply with the required safety standard they had been given.

Meanwhile, Baru said the RM120 million 1.2km-long Batang Rajang twin bridge is expected to open in April next year, two months ahead of schedule.

“The people will enjoy a more comfortable and efficient road network with the completion of the project,” he said.

The bridge, which is the longest of 115 bridges built under the Pan Borneo Highway project, is under Work Package 07 stretching from the Bintangor junction in Sarikei Division to Sungai Kua Bridge in Selangau district.

Implemented by Hock Seng Lee-Dhaya Maju Infrastructure Asia JV, the project will be a catalyst for the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy and development of surrounding areas, especially commercial centres and industrial estates along the Pan Borneo Highway. – December 15, 2019.