By Doreen Ling
BINTULU, Sept 21: A total of RM119 million has been allocated to upgrade the Redline sections of the Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak (Short Stretch), which is expected to be completed by early 2028.
During a visit to the project site today, Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the sections need to be upgraded or constructed to eventually reach the same standard as the completed sections of the Pan Borneo Highway.
“I was informed by the contractor and the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) that the works are expected to take 16 months, starting from last week.
“However, we want the contractor to complete the short-stretch works earlier than the 16-month period. They have assured us that this can be achieved,” he said to reporters.
Nanta, who is also the MP for Kapit, said that some road users have said that the Pan Borneo Highway has been completed. However, he said, many sections still do not provide the comfort level or highway standard expected of a proper highway.
He added that the project will be monitored jointly by Sarawak JKR and his ministry.
“When doing this kind of work on the ground, we do not need sofas or lounges—even plastic chairs are enough. We do come here regularly.
“I myself have travelled along this road many times, so we know the condition, even though we are so far away in Kuala Lumpur.
“Why do we do this? Because what matters is the comfort and safety of road users in Sarawak,” he said.
According to a press release, the 17.1-kilometre project involves upgrading road pavement structures at nine locations, namely Lachau, Selangau, Balingian, Kemena, Sebiew, and Tudan.
The project is a government initiative to upgrade existing routes that were not included in the initial implementation of the Pan Borneo Highway. — DayakDaily
