Putrajaya will ensure continuity in the construction of Sarawak’s portion of the Pan Borneo Highway phase two project from Limbang to Lawas, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The Prime Minister said allocations for construction of the Pan Borneo Highway phase two project was approved by the previous Barisan Nasional government, but construction was halted after the Pakatan Harapan administration took over in 2018.

“When the government changed to Pakatan, the project was cancelled and that is why phase two of the Pan Borneo Highway could not be continued,” he said during the launch of the highway in Serian on Sunday (Dec 5).

Ismail Sabri said if construction for phase two had resumed, locals in Serian would have enjoyed better roads and improved economic development in the township, located 50km from Kuching.

“Putrajaya sees this project as important for Sarawakians, as it will not only facilitate travel, but also spur economic development," he said.

Ismail Sabri also said Putrajaya will conduct a detailed study on the construction of the “missing link” line, which is from the Kuala Baram junction to the Sungai Tujoh Immigration and Customs complex.

“I give commitment together with the Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (that) we want to move forward with phase two of the Pan Borneo Highway and the ‘missing link’.

“We will not stop here and we will ensure that this project is continued,” he said.

The alignment of the Serian section in the Pan Borneo Highway is 33.65km long.

The construction involved upgrading works on Jalan Persekutuan, from the Serian roundabout to Balai Ringin, with a project cost of RM700mil.

Source:
courtesy of THE STAR

by TARRENCE TAN and JOSEPH KAOS JR

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