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By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Aug 14: The overall progress of Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak is now at 97 per cent, says Malaysian Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
He told this to reporters when met prior to the flag-off ceremony for the Pan Borneo Exploration convoy at the Farley parking lot at 6th Mile, here today.
Previously, Nanta told DayakDaily that the project’s progress was at 95 per cent and will be completed by November this year.
Meanwhile, on the convoy, Nanta, who is also Kapit MP said that the purpose of the two-day trip is to monitor the latest development and condition of the Pan Borneo Highway stretch from Kuching to Miri.
He said that it is also as preparation to ensure the road is in good condition ahead of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah’s visit this September.
“Wherever that it is not yet completed, at least we will emphasise the safety and comfort of road users,” he added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the purpose of the convoy is to relay the latest information about the highway’s development to the public.
Uggah, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD), also said that Pan Borneo Highway is a gamechanger for Sarawak that helps in minimising travel time throughout the State.
“For example, I’m from Betong. Previously, it takes about 4-and-a-half hours to reach Betong from Kuching. With normal driving speed, now I can reach in around 3 hours or if I’m more adventurous, I may reach Betong in around 2-and-a-half hours,” he said.
Among those present were MIPD deputy ministers Datuk Majang Renggi and Aidel Lariwoo, togetherwith Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak director Richard Tajan. — DayakDaily
