TEN work packages under phase 1 of the Pan Borneo Highway project from Sematan to Miri are 71% complete as of last September, Deputy Works Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup said.

He said the Telok Melano to Sematan work package, which was also under the same phase of the project, was completed in January 2019.

“Like other government projects, the Covid-19 pandemic has also impacted the construction work progress of the project in Sarawak, which is expected to be completed in September next year.

“As such, various mitigation plans, including the realignment of the construction schedule and extension of time, have been implemented to ensure that construction goes on smoothly,” he said during the question-and-answer session at the Dewan Negara today.

He was replying to a question from Senator Dr Nuing Jeluing on the status of the project.

Kurup said the RM16.117 billion project, which has 11 work packages and commenced in October 2015, involves the construction of a 786km stretch of road from Telok Melano to Miri.

He said the Works Ministry would continuously monitor the progress of the project through regular visits and engagement sessions with contractors and consultants involved.

“This is to measure the effectiveness of mitigation actions and make improvements to ensure the project is completed,” he said. – Bernama, October 13, 2021.