LUNDU, Jan 26: Visitors coming here will now have a new attraction to go to following the completion of the first 33.7km stretch of the Pan Borneo Highway from Sematan to Telok Melano.
Not only does Telok Melano, located some 140km away from Kuching, have eco-tourism potential with nearby Tanjung Datu National Park and Samunsan Wildlife Sanctuary, the 0km mark of the stretch – the lower Tip of Borneo or the beginning of the Pan Borneo Highway – offers a breathtaking view of the beach and the pristine blue waters of the South China Sea.
Officially opened by Minister of Works Baru Bian and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg this morning, the Sematan-Telok Melano stretch was the vision and commitment of the late Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, who hoped for a flourishing economic development around Telok Melano and Kampung Telok Serabang here.
The construction on the Sematan-Telok Melano stretch began on Oct 7, 2015, and was fully completed on Jan 4 this year by local contractor Samling Resources Sdn Bhd at the cost of about RM580 million.
Before this, Telok Melano was only accessible by boat from Sematan.
Six bridges were constructed along the Sematan-Telok Melano stretch through Sg Samunsam, Sg Beduan, Sg Belinsah, Sg Pueh, Sg Kerambai and Sg Siru.
The two lane highway complies with Public Works Department (JKR) R5 standards which is about 3.5m wide per lane and 17m wide overall. — DayakDaily
