By Karen Bong and Marlynda Meraw
BINTULU, Aug 18: The Works Ministry has approved an allocation of RM500,000 for the installation of streetlighting at two P-turns along the Pan Borneo Highway in Bintulu to enhance road safety.
Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi announced that the ministry had set aside the funds following calls for better safety measures along the Bintulu-Miri stretch.
“So far, RM200,000 has been allocated for the two P-turns, with 10 sets of poles costing RM100,000 for each P-turn. The balance from the RM500,000 allocation will be used for installation works. I have asked the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak, with the help of Deputy Minister Datuk Majang Renggi, to follow through since this is his area,” he said when addressing the launch of the Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak Cleanliness Campaign themed “Jum Jaga Pan Borneo Bait-Bait” at one of the P-turns here, today.
The commitment comes in response to Majang’s request for streetlighting, particularly near Batu 30 along the Bintulu-Miri sector, in both directions of the highway to ensure safety for road users, especially at night and during rainy weather.
Earlier, Majang, who is Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development and Samalaju assemblyman, also highlighted water supply issues affecting several longhouses and villages along the Bintulu-Miri stretch.
He said the problem stemmed from the relocation of pipelines during highway construction and urged immediate government intervention.
He further stressed that Bintulu, particularly the Samalaju constituency, is a strategic area housing the Kidurong Industrial Zone and Samalaju Industrial Park, two key drivers of Sarawak’s economic growth, supported by two deep-sea ports.
“The Pan Borneo Highway is a vital artery linking industries, plantations, livestock, and smallholders, as well as longhouse communities who depend on it daily,” he said.
On the cleanliness campaign, Majang called on communities to take collective responsibility in protecting the State’s infrastructure, noting that Sarawak’s vision of achieving developed-region status depends heavily on the smooth operation of its road networks.
“Maintaining infrastructure is a shared responsibility. The roads we use today serve everyone, and we must bear the trust to care for them properly. Therefore, let us all work together to keep the roads clean, obey traffic rules, and drive responsibly. Every small action we take today will surely have a significant impact on the safety of all road users,” he reminded.
Majang also urged community and village leaders to act as the main link in spreading this message to their respective communities.
“Let us make this campaign a turning point for a continuous movement to protect and maintain our existing infrastructure. With unity and shared spirit, I am confident the Pan Borneo Highway will continue to be a source of pride for the people of Borneo, especially in Sarawak and Sabah,” he added.
Also present at the event were Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang and JKR Sarawak deputy director (Infrastructure) Ir Wisil Lichok. — DayakDaily
