By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 11: Sarawak is set to have its first-ever road tunnel under the Sarawak–Sabah Link Road (SSLR) project, which is currently under construction in Limbang.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof said the single carriageway project, estimated to cost around RM6 billion, marks a major milestone in Sarawak’s infrastructure development.
He said the tunnel construction aims to preserve the natural environment while reducing travel distance in hilly terrain.
“This will be the first tunnel in Sarawak. The road passes through mountainous areas, so the tunnel helps avoid extensive hill-cutting and shortens the journey from about 14 or 20 kilometres to around seven kilometres,” he said during a press conference held at a local hotel here today.
Fadillah, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), revealed that the tunnel construction will employ Chinese tunnelling technology.
He added that the SSLR’s Phase 1 is progressing well, while Phase 2 has been launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The SSLR is part of the federal government’s major road connectivity initiative to enhance land links between Sarawak and Sabah, complementing the ongoing Pan Borneo Highway.
Fadillah said the government hopes the project will help narrow the development gap between regions and spur economic growth in northern Sarawak.
“What is important now is ensuring the allocations are fully utilised and projects implemented effectively according to schedule, scope and budget,” he stressed. – DayakDaily
