Green light for two road projects in Borneo states

MIRI: The government has approved the construction of the Trans Borneo Highway (LTB) and Phase 2 of the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR), says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The two projects, which would commence next year, are expected to take three to five years to complete, he added.

He said the technical study of the projects that connect Miri to Limbang and Lawas in Sarawak was in the final stage.

According to Bernama, the prime minister said the projects would enable residents in northern Sarawak to go to Sabah via two road network options.

It would also benefit those living around Mulu, Long Seridan, Nanga Medamit, Long Lopeng, Ba’kelalan and Merarap, who still depend on logging roads.

“Those travelling from Miri to Limbang and Lawas via Brunei can use the LTB 96km stretch that will be upgraded into a two-lane dual-carriageway.

“For those who choose to avoid going through Brunei to go to (Sabah), they can travel via the SSLR Phase 2 which spans 326km and is a continuation of the SSLR Phase 1 from Simpang Gelugus to Long Lopeng,” he said when opening the Pujut section of the Sarawak portion of the Pan Borneo Highway (PBH) here yesterday.

Also present were Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Ismail Sabri said with the projects, which involved a total cost of RM10.62bil, road users could enjoy a better, safer and more comfortable road system.

On the Pujut section of PBH, the Prime Minister said it was a continuation of the successful construction of highway projects in the peninsula.

“The implementation of the Sarawak Pan Borneo Highway project is the Federal Government’s commitment to developing a planned, systematic and efficient road infrastructure network in the state.

“The scope of this project involves upgrading existing federal roads, and the construction of two bridges and four bus stops, which started on Nov 1, 2016, and was fully completed on July 2,” he added.

Ismail Sabri said the project would also expand the transport network and connectivity between towns and districts to potential growth centres along the route.

The 15.9km stretch of the Pujut section of PBH that connects the Miri Airport intersection and the Pujut Link Road was built at an estimated cost of RM470mil.