KOTA KINABALU: Works Minister Baru Bian says only 10% of the multi-billion ringgit Pan Borneo Highway has been completed in Sabah so far.
He said 12 packages have been implemented in the state thus far.
“The projects are still ongoing. I understand there have been some delays but I do hope they will do it within the time frame given.
“As I said before, it is an important project that needs to be completed. So we will do our best to see what needs to be done,” he told reporters after an event here today.
Meanwhile, Baru said it was not up to him to give the green light for a request from the state government to take over the implementation of the Pan Borneo Highway.
He said the state had submitted the proposal some time ago.
“This question should be addressed to the finance ministry.”
Sabah Infrastructure Development Minister Peter Anthony had previously said the state wanted to implement the project on its own, adding this could potentially save RM2 billion.
This would be done under a committee that would be spearheaded by his ministry and the Economic Planning Unit under Sabah’s finance ministry, he added.
Construction of the Pan-Borneo Highway is expected to be completed by 2023 in Sarawak and by 2025 in Sabah.
The dual carriageway stretches 2,325km.
Sabah began its first phase after the launch in April 2016, with 35 work packages worth RM12.8 billion to build 706km of roads, from Sindumin in southwest Sipitang to Tawau in the east coast.
Sumber: FMT