By Nur Ashikin Louis & Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Aug 7: The federal government has approved RM10.62 billion to implement Phase 2 of the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) and Trans-Borneo Highway (LTB) projects, connecting Miri to Limbang and Lawas up to Sabah.
Prime Minister Dato Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said road users travelling from Miri to Limbang and Lawas can go through Brunei, using the 96km-long LTB route which will be improved to two two-way lanes.
“For those who do not want to go through Brunei, they can use the 326km-long route under Phase 2 of the SSLR project alignment which is a continuation of the 77km stretch under Phase 1 of SSLR Project from Simpang Gelugus to Long Lopeng.
“These projects, which involve a cost of RM10.62 billion, will enable communities and residents in Miri, Limbang and Lawas to enjoy a better, safer and more comfortable road network,” he said when officiating at the opening of WPC 11 Pujut Section, which is part of the Pan Borneo Highway project held in Miri today.
He also said with technical research now in the final stage, the federal government is committed to starting the construction of Phase 2 of the SSLR and LTB projects as early as next year with a construction period of three to five years.
“Phase 2 of the SSLR project will particularly benefit the local residents around Mulu, Long Seridan, Nanga Medamit, Long Lopeng, Ba’kelalan and Merarap who currently depend on logging roads as the main communication road,” he added.
Amongst those present during the event were Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Senior Minister of Works Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof. — DayakDaily
