THREE out of 35 packages of Phase 1 of the Pan Borneo Highway project are expected to be fully completed by the end of this year, said Deputy Works Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup. 

He said two of the packages are Package 27, which involves an 8.1km road from Kampung Lot M to Batu 32 Sandakan, and Package 21, which is the 7km Lahad Datu bypass.

“The other package, which will be completed soon, is Package 5 involving a 11.39km road from Papar to Penampang. This road is 99.1% complete and has been partially opened to the public.

“There are only minor works that have not been completed such as the installation of road signs,” he told reporters after checking on the progress of Package 5 in Papar today.

Phase 1 involves 706km from Sindumin to Kota Kinabalu, then onwards to Kudat as well as Tawau to Batu 32 Sandakan to Ranau.

Commenting further, Arthur said the implementation of several other packages is going smoothly and will be able to be completed according to schedule.

On the delay in the implementation of some of the highway projects, he said there are several factors, with the main one being the spread of Covid-19. 

“We all know that the country has been dealing with the contagion, which has caused many things to be delayed, including the Pan Borneo Highway project. 

“However, it is not a problem because what is important is the implementation of the project according to the scope of work that has been set, for the safety and comfort of the public,” he said. – Bernama, September 26, 2022.