KUCHING, Jan 5: Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi has announced that the first phase of the Pan Borneo Highway (LPB) project in Sarawak and Sabah has made 91 per cent and 73 per cent physical progress, respectively.
According to a press release issued today by Nanta, the entire phase one of LPB Sarawak is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with the exception of sections in Lambir and Belur, which are expected to be completed next year following a change in project scope.
“The entire phase 1 of LPB Sarawak is expected to be completed by the end of this year (2023) except for package 11 (Lambir and Beluru) which is expected to be completed in 2024 following a change in the scope of the project.
“As for phase 1 of LPB Sabah, it is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2025,” he said.
Nanta explained that the second phase of the Sarawak LPB will involve the Miri-Limbang-Lawas (Trans Borneo Highway) segment, the second phase of the Sarawak Sabah Link Road (SSLR) project, and phase 1B of the Sabah LBU project, with an estimated total project cost of RM26.2 billion.
He also welcomed the Cabinet’s decision to recognise the Sarawak State JKR (Public Works Department) and the Sabah State JKR as government technical departments.
“With this recognition, JKR Sabah and Sarawak are authorised to administer federal development projects at a rate of up to RM50 million.
“This decision will involve the amendment of Treasury Directive 182 (AP 182) which stipulates previously that all non-technical departments must obtain services from only recognised technical departments, namely Public Works Department Malaysia (JKR Malaysia) and Irrigation and Drainage Department Malaysia (JPS Malaysia), to implement all government projects (item 182.1),” he added.
Furthermore, Nanta stated that his ministry believes a guideline should be discussed and prepared with the federal agency involved to determine the details regarding the distribution of jurisdiction, roles, and responsibilities over projects in the two States concerned.
“All the new projects have obtained approval in principle from the Council of Ministers in April 2022.
“Physical construction is expected to begin in 2024, which is as soon as the 2023 Budget is approved by Parliament and confirmation of allocation approval is received from the federal agency,” he added. — DayakDaily
