By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 1: Nearly RM1 billion is required for the upgrading of the 140-km redline alignment, encompassing various sections along the Pan Borneo Highway.
Malaysia Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi disclosed that the Federal government has a plan for the crucial project as these upgrades are due for implementation.
“We are working hard to apply for the budget allocation,” he told reporters when met at the Sarawak Gawai Dayak 2024 open house at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
The redline alignment refers to the existing original routes built prior to the construction of the Pan Borneo Highway.
Nanta explained that the redline alignment was previously excluded from the Pan Borneo Highway project to save on costs in the allocated budget.
“Given the poor condition of many stretches, it is imperative to reconstruct them to ensure they meet the standards of the nearing completionPan Borneo Highway,” he added.
Commenting on the remarks by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in expressing support for the construction of a bridge linking Labuan island to mainland Sabah, Nanta welcomed the decision, noting the longstanding proposal for the project.
During a visit to the Labuan Roll-on Roll-off (RORO) Ferry Terminal yesterday (May 31), Anwar stressed the importance of updating the existing technical study to thoroughly evaluate the project’s implications, considering its mega-project status, which requires thorough preparation.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa disclosed in March that the Federal Territories Department had established three task forces aimed at revitalising Labuan’s economy, with the construction of the Labuan-Menumbok bridge being identified as a potential ‘game changer’ for the island.
However, Dr Zaliha underscored the need for a new comprehensive technical study to assess project costs and evaluate economic impacts accurately, given the evolving economic landscape, suggesting that past studies might not fully reflect the current context. — DayakDaily
