Sabah Pan Borneo Highway Phase 1A Delayed Due to Land Acquisition and Utility Relocation Issues
The construction of Phase 1A of the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway (LPB) has hit delays due to land acquisition disputes and the extensive time required for utility relocation, according to Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan. Some landowners have refused to cooperate, taking the matter to court, which has necessitated an extension of time (EOT) for the project.
Ahmad Maslan highlighted these issues during an inspection of the Sabah LPB Package 8 project at Jalan Sepanggar-Berungis, stating that the goal is to avoid similar problems during the implementation of Phase 1B, where the contractor recently received the Letter of Acceptance (SST).
Phase 1A Progress and Challenges
As of August 2024, progress on the 15 work packages of Phase 1A stood at 79.48%, with four packages already completed and open to road users. The remaining work packages are at various stages of construction, and the project is expected to be completed in phases by the first quarter of 2026. Phase 1A covers a distance of 283 kilometres.
Ahmad noted the importance of a Traffic Management Plan to prioritize the safety of road users and minimize traffic congestion during construction. He also called for the project to meet quality, cost, and time standards in line with the MY Jalan KK programme.
Learning from Phase 1A for Phase 1B
To ensure smoother execution of Phase 1B, Ahmad suggested holding a seminar for new contractors to address the challenges faced in Phase 1A, including land acquisition and utility relocation issues. This proactive approach aims to prevent similar setbacks in future phases.
The Sabah Pan Borneo Highway project is a critical infrastructure initiative designed to provide comfortable and safe transportation for the people of Malaysia MADANI, with Phase 1A serving as a key milestone in the broader plan.
