"Wait, Why Is It Taking So Long?" — 4 Things Slowing Down The Pan Borneo Highway In Sabah Right Now

Pan Borneo Highway

If you’ve driven between Sandakan and Lahad Datu lately, you’ve probably spent more time looking at orange traffic cones than actual scenery. 

The Pan Borneo Highway is the "dream" project we’ve been waiting for, but let’s be real, the progress bar feels like it’s stuck at 99% loading. Recently, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor went down to the ground to inspect Work Package 25 (WP25), and he didn’t sugarcoat it.

The 14.96km stretch from Kampung Perpaduan Datuk Moh to Sukau is currently at 12.35% physical progress, slightly behind its 15.30% target. So, what’s the hold-up?

Here are the 4 major "speed bumps" keeping the machines from moving faster:

1. The "Invisible" Utility Maze 

This is the big one. Hajiji identified utility relocation as the primary factor slowing down earthworks.

Think about it: before you can build a massive highway, you have to move miles of SESB electricity poles, water pipes, and fiber optic cables that have been there for decades. Moving these requires high-level coordination between agencies, and one wrong move could leave a whole village without water or TikTok.

2. The Logistical Tug-of-War 

Moving heavy machinery through rural Sabah isn’t like driving a Myvi to the mall. The CM noted that logistical challenges are a major constraint. Getting raw materials, giant bridge beams, and specialized equipment into areas like Sukau requires precise timing and solid ground, both of which are hard to find in a construction zone.

3. "Temporary Access" Nightmares 

We’ve all seen them, those narrow, bumpy diversions that keep you at a 20km/h crawl. These temporary access issues within the project area don't just annoy drivers; they actually slow down the workers too. Managing traffic while trying to build a multi-storey flyover on the same spot is basically a high-stakes game of Tetris.

4. Demolition & Land Dramas 

Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

You can't build a road where a house is standing. Hajiji mentioned that land acquisition and the demolition of existing structures are still ongoing hurdles. Negotiating with land owners and ensuring everyone is compensated fairly takes time, and until the "site clear" signal is given, the bulldozers have to wait.

Is there light at the end of the tunnel? 

Despite the delays, there is a "Save the Date" on the calendar. This RM269.9 million project is scheduled for completion by February 2028.

Once done, WP25 will feature:

• A multi-storey interchange (Flyover)
• Bus stops
• Pedestrian bridges
• Upgraded drainage to prevent those "flash flood" surprises

The government is pushing for closer coordination between agencies to stop the "blame game" and get the tarmac moving. For now, keep your snacks ready and your patience high, the road to a better Sabah is still under construction.

What do you think? Is 2028 a realistic goal or just another "Janji Manis"? Let us know in the comments!