By Karen Bong and Marlynda Meraw
BINTULU, Aug 18: Three designated rest and service areas (RSAs) will be built along the Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak, with one already completed in Jelukong near Sri Aman.
Revealing this, Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi noted that the absence of proper rest stops along the highway has long been a concern for motorists.
“Along the Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak, there are scheduled to be three rest stops. One has been completed in Jelukong near Sri Aman.
“We have two more in the scope of the Pan Borneo Highway, but as to when they will be built, we are still looking and observing to what extent and when we can do it,” he told reporters after launching the Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak Cleanliness Campaign themed “Jum Jaga Pan Borneo Bait-Bait” at a P-turn here today.
He stressed that the Ministry is fully aware of the need for such facilities, especially as road users often struggle to find suitable places to dispose of rubbish or to stop for toilet breaks.
Currently, it is observed that motorists travelling on stretches like the over two-hour drive from Miri to Bintulu face difficulties as petrol stations and rest facilities are scarce, with the nearest petrol station requiring a detour to Niah.
According to a report in March 2023, the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak’s Pan Borneo Highway Unit had announced plans to build two additional RSAs at Sungai Arip in Balingian and Lambir in Miri.
The RSAs are not only intended for motorists to rest, refresh and perform prayers, but also serve as hubs for local entrepreneurs to generate income through food stalls, eateries and even weekly markets.
These rest stops are important to ensure the comfort of road users and to support the community’s economy.
Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Majang Renggi, Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang and JKR Sarawak deputy director (Infrastructure) Ir Wisil Lichok were present at the event. — DayakDaily
