Anwar Urges State Government to Expedite Pan Borneo Highway Project in Sabah

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim calls for the expedited completion of the Pan Borneo Highway project in Sabah, emphasising the importance of avoiding further delays. He has delegated responsibility to the state government to ensure the project, which benefits the people of Sabah, is completed as quickly as possible.

"Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak is nearly finished, but Sabah's section is still lagging. We've agreed with the Sabah state government to expedite it," Anwar stated.

He also mentioned that the task of overseeing this matter has been entrusted to Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, stressing his desire for rapid progress so that the people of Sabah can benefit from this multi-billion-ringgit project, the longest highway in Malaysia.

Unlike toll highways in Peninsular Malaysia, the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah and Sarawak is toll-free, provided by the government for the public. As of July 29, Nanta reported that Phase 1A of the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah was 77.41% complete, with full completion expected by 2026. As of now 11 of the 15 work packages have not yet been finished, with four already finished.

Anwar said that, in regards to project delays, he would not take any justifications from any of the parties concerned. He reported on continuing conversations amongst different governmental levels about current problems such as acute poverty, water, flooding, electricity, and infrastructure.

Anwar also added that although problems like potholes that prevent pupils from going to school and improvised suspension bridges made of thin planks were passed down from the previous government, it is the responsibility of the current administration to address them rather than making excuses.