Pan-Borneo Highway project will continue as scheduled, says minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The Pan-Borneo Highway project will proceed based on contracts agreed between the government and the stakeholders, said Works Minister Baru Bian.
He, however, said the mechanism and implementation of the project were subject to ongoing re-examination by his ministry and the finance ministry.
“This is a project under the Federal Government and it will proceed as scheduled,” he said recently.
He said as all the packages and contracts had been awarded and signed, the only thing to be done right now was to review the cost through the appointment of an independent consultant.
He said recently the Finance Ministry had met with representatives of Lebuhraya Borneo Utara Sdn Bhd to discuss cost reduction issues.
Sarawak’s portion of the highway comprises 11 work packages and is scheduled for completion by June 2021.
On the ministry’s priority to complete the Pan-Borneo Highway instead of assisting the state government to build coastal roads in Sarawak, Baru said: “The coastal roads are under the purview of the state government.
“Our main priority is the federal road.
“Right now, we are focusing on upgrading the federal roads, but we are facing financial constraints.
“Nevertheless, we are ready to assist in terms of technical advice and expertise in the implementation of infrastructure projects in Sarawak, particularly the construction of coastal roads.”
He said the government would continue to assist the state, which was currently under the leadership of Gabungan Parti Sarawak.
The Selangau member of parliament said the Federal Government had completed a few bridges near Sarawak coastal roads, including Sadong Bridge, Kota Samarahan Bridge and Pusar Bridge.
He said the construction of another three bridges at the federal roads — Rambungan Bridge, Batang Lupar Bridge and Igan Bridge — would depend on the 2019 Budget that would be announced soon.
“In view of the current financial situation, and based on the finance ministry circular dated June 29, we are subject to the guidelines. If there is no Sales and Services Tax or agreement letters issued, then the construction of the bridges will be temporarily suspended until the country’s financial condition is back to normal,” he said.
The Pan-Borneo Highway project was announced by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak as part of Barisan Nasional’s manifesto in the 13th General Election.
It is expected to spur local development and enhance the people’s socio-economic status, including through the creation of many new towns along the highways.
The highway, spanning 2,325km, made history as the first highway project with a fourlane dual-carriageway to be built toll-free.