DEPUTY Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof today suggested that both the Finance Ministry and Work Ministry use the prequalified tender procurement method in selecting contractors for the Pan Borneo Highway (LPB) project. 

He said the use of the method would ensure the reliability of contractors appointed. 

“This is because if we do it through an open tender, it will take a long time, especially if there are too many applications. So, I recommend a prequalified tender, which means that the tender will be opened with conditions. 

“Contractors who meet the criteria will be identified and those who qualify will be called to enter the actual tender,” he told reporters when met at the state-level Cost of Living Carnival at Dewan Hikmah today. 

Fadillah, who is the coordinator for the Pan Borneo Highway project, said he was making the suggestion to expedite its construction over a total distance of 1,492km. 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his speech in conjunction with Malaysia Day 2023 yesterday, vowed to fulfil the promises and agreements made during the formation of Malaysia, including the Malaysia Agreement 1963, and had tasked Fadillah to expedite and resolve issues surrounding the Pan Borneo Highway project. 

Anwar said this was to ensure the construction of the highway could be completed earlier than the previously set deadline. 

On August 20, the media reported that Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said Phase 1 of the Sabah LPB Project, which involves 15 work packages, is now at 82% of construction and is scheduled to be fully completed in January 2025. 

Phase 1 of the Sarawak LPB Project involves 11 work packages, with almost 98% completed. – Bernama, September 17, 2023.