Remaining 20 packages under Sabah’s Pan Borneo Highway project expected to start this year

KOTA KINABALU: The remaining 20 packages under phase one of Sabah's Pan Borneo Highway project located mostly in the state's east coast, are expected to commence before the end of this year.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya (pic) said these packages are estimated to cost around RM10bil to RM12bil, but value assessments will be conducted to ensure it matches the current market prices.

Phase one involves 35 packages in total, starting from Sabah and Sarawak borders in Sindumin, Sipitang, all the way to Tawau district covering over 700km.

"Out of the 20 packages that have not started, 15 actually have been tendered and their designs have been completed.

"However, since the implementation was delayed over two years, a 'value assessment lab' committee had been formed to ascertain the prices and designs being utilised are up to date.

"This way, we can minimise the additional cost risks when construction begins," he said when met at the Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) Hari Raya open house on Monday (May 8).

Shahelmey, who was state Works Minister, said most of the packages that have yet to start were for the road routes from Tawau junction to Semporna, towards Lahad Datu and Kinabatangan as well as from Telupid to Ranau.

"Others include packages from Tuaran to Simpang Mengayau, Kudat, which is at the west coast and north of Sabah," he added.

Shahelmey also expected that the majority of the RM20bil allocation to carry out the project under Budget 2023, will go to this state to ensure the remaining 20 packages could be executed.