By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 11: The 335km Sarawak-Sabah Link Road Phase 2 (SSLR2) will provide a long-awaited alternative land route bypassing Brunei and replace dangerous logging roads, with Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi stressing that the RM7.6 billion project must be completed ahead of schedule to benefit communities in northern Sarawak and Sabah.
Nanta said the SSLR2 marks a major continuation of the SSLR Phase 1 in Lawas, which has already recorded 57.6 per cent progress as of July 2025.
“Approved by the federal government in 2023 , this project covers Miri, Limbang, Lawas and Ba’kelalan. It will be implemented in packages to ensure quality and timely completion.
“Once completed, the SSLR2 will give Sarawakians and Sabahans direct road access without having to pass through Brunei, while also ending decades of reliance on unsafe logging roads as the main access for interior communities,” he said at the launch ceremony officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Nanga Medamit in Limbang, streamed live via Ukas Channel today.
The launch site at Nanga Medamit represents Package 2B of the project, which covers the Long Napir–Nanga Medamit stretch.
Underscoring that the SSLR2 is more than just an infrastructure project, Nanta, who is also Kapit MP, said it symbolises the government’s commitment to balanced and inclusive development under the Malaysia Madani framework.
“The SSLR2 will provide safer, more comfortable connectivity for rural residents, while unlocking economic opportunities, particularly in agriculture and eco-tourism, and strengthening national unity,” he added.
The minister also reminded stakeholders that success relies on strong cooperation between government agencies, contractors, and local communities.
“JKR Sarawak, as the implementing agency, will closely monitor contractors to ensure compliance with scope, cost and timeline. We want this project completed AOT (Ahead of Time), not delayed with repeated EOT (Extension of Time),” he emphasised.
Nanta appealed for the understanding and tolerance of local communities during the construction phase, stressing that disruptions could delay the project if cooperation was lacking.
“The SSLR2 will enhance connectivity between Sarawak and Sabah, strengthen the transportation backbone of Borneo, attract investment, boost rural development, and promote integration among the diverse communities of East Malaysia,” he said.
He reaffirmed that both the federal and Sarawak governments are committed to ensuring all Malaysians, urban and rural alike, enjoy equal access to infrastructure and opportunities.
“This ceremony is not only about launching a project, but also reflects our determination to build a more prosperous, inclusive future for the people,” he concluded.
Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof, Minister of Works and Kapit MP Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Deputy Minister of Transport and Limbang MP Datuk Hasbi Habibollah and Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak director Ir Dr Cassidy Morris were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
