PM: PHASE 2 OF HIGHWAY WILL GO ON
Ismail Sabri vows to build Limbang-Lawas stretch and Kuala Baram junction to Sg Tujoh CIQ link
PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has pledged that Phase 2 of the Pan Borneo Highway project will continue after it was scrapped by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration.
He said a detailed study on the project was ongoing for the construction of the highway between Limbang and Lawas, as well as the “missing link” from the Kuala Baram junction to the Sungai Tujoh Customs, Immigration and Quarantine complex in Miri.
Phase 2 of the highway was approved by the Barisan Nasional federal government but was scrapped by PH after the 2018 general election.
“My commitment, together with that of Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Sarawak caretaker Chief Minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, is that we will discuss how to proceed with Phase 2 of the Pan Borneo Highway and this missing link.
“We will not stop here. We will continue until all these projects are accomplished,” he said when opening the Serian Work Three Package alignment of the Pan Borneo Highway here, yesterday.
The 33.65km alignment involves upgrading the federal road from Bulatan Serian to Balai Ringin at a cost of RM700 million.
In his speech, Ismail Sabri said there should be no differences of opinion between the federal and state governments as it would hamper people-centric projects and cause difficulties.
“Any change of government, be it at federal or state level, will have a major impact on the people. Without close cooperation between federal and state governments, it will only trouble the people,” he said.
Ismail noted it was easy to develop Sarawak due to his good relationship with Abang Johari.
“Just a phone call from Abang Jo on any delay of projects, and I will take note of it and speed up its implementation,” the prime minister said, referring to the Sarawak chief minister by his nickname.
Ismail Sabri said the Pan Borneo Highway was the result of careful and holistic planning between the federal and Sarawak governments through the Highway Network Development Plan.
“The implementation of the project is proof of the federal government’s commitment to developing the existing road network in a more planned, systematic and efficient manner.
“The situation can ensure that socio-economic development is implemented better and fully utilised by the people of Sarawak in line with the direction of the 12th Malaysia Plan,” he said.