Kunak-Semporna dual carriageway proposed
SEMPORNA: Semporna will have a dual carriageway with four lanes that will be on par with the Pan Borneo highway and is expected to further boost the economic activities in this district.
Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Ramlee Marhaban said the proposed road upgrading project would involve 18.5 kilometres of road from the Kunak roundabout to Semporna town.
Ramlee said the road would be on par with the Pan Borneo Highway which is the UJ5 of the Public Work Department standard.
“Looking at the current condition of the road which is causing hardship to the people because of traffic congestion, a proposal was made to the federal government for the upgrading of roads in Semporna.
“Semporna is currently on the list of the top ten world tourism attractions, hence infrastructure improvements should be made,” he said.
Ramlee, who is also Bugaya assemblyman, said the road upgrading project, if carried out, will benefit about 150,000 people in Semporna, adding that the road upgrading project will have a big impact in term of boosting the economic activities of the locals as it will be easier for them to transport their crops.
“The project will also benefit tourists as it will shorten the distance and traveling time,” he said after officiating the Education Roadshow 2017 organized by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) at SMK Bugaya 2, yesterday.
According to Ramlee, the proposal submitted to the federal government for consideration has received some positive feedback, adding that the proposal had been listed as one of the priority in Sabah Third Rolling Plan.
“I am confident the government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman will give attention to the needs of the people,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Ramlee urged children and educators in Semporna to take advantage of the programmes and assistance provided by MARA. He also encouraged all parties to be involved in the education system as education is the mainstay for a better future.
Also present was State MARA director Ruzlan Abdul Malik.