SUKAU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor today personally inspected the progress of the Pan Borneo Highway project here, while stressing the need for immediate coordination among agencies to ensure its implementation stays on schedule and does face further delays.
During his working visit, he stopped at the package WP25 worksite for an inspection, monitoring and briefing session while travelling from Sandakan to Lahad Datu in conjunction with his Security Inspection Visit to the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (ESS Zone).
Hajiji was accompanied by State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin; State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Sr. Haji Safar Untong; Sabah Federal Secretary Datuk Mohd Razali Wahab as well as assistant ministers and senior government officials.
At the briefing by the Public Works Department (JKR), he was informed of the current WP25 project status, which spans approximately 14.96 kilometres from Kampung Perpaduan Datuk Moh to Sukau.
To date, the project’s physical progress is around 12.35 per cent, compared to the original scheduled target of 15.30 per cent while financial progress is 11.52 per cent.
The project, valued at approximately RM269.9 million is scheduled for completion within 36 months, with a target date of February 2028.
Among the main construction components are a flyover, bus stops, pedestrian bridges, drainage, and culvert systems, all designed to enhance the safety and comfort of road users.
Hajiji was also informed of several major constraints at the site affecting work progress, including issues involving utility relocation, land acquisition and demolition of existing structures.
Utility-related problems were identified as among the main factors slowing earthworks, in addition to logistical challenges and temporary access issues within the project area.
Apart from WP25, the Chief Minister was also briefed on the progress of the nearby WP24 package, which involves a 15.88-kilometre stretch from Sungai Takala to Kampung Perpaduan Datuk Moh.
For WP24, physical progress as of April 2026 was recorded at around 15.60 per cent, with slight delays compared to the original schedule.
In this regard, Hajiji stressed the importance of effective coordination among all agencies involved to address on-site issues, including expediting land acquisition and utility relocation to avoid affecting the project implementation timeline.
He said the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway Project Phase 1B is among the government’s strategic initiatives to strengthen the road infrastructure network, thereby boosting economic growth and connecting key areas on Sabah’s East Coast.
“The State Government is committed to ensuring that every development project is implemented in a well-planned manner, closely monitored and completed according to schedule for the benefit of the people,” he said.-pr/BNN
