KOTA KINABALU: Plans are underway to upgrade the road along the Tamparuli–Ranau stretch to alleviate traffic congestion, particularly during festive and school holiday periods.
Sabah Assistant Works Minister Datuk Limus Jury noted that while improvement efforts are ongoing, progress has been slow as the project remains in the planning phase.
"The road upgrading from Telupid to Ranau and from Ranau to Sandakan is underway.
"The Finance Minister (Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun) has announced plans to ease traffic flow, but the works are part of Phase 2B, which is still being planned. Currently, we are in Phase 1B," he told reporters on Sunday (April 20).
His comments were in response to concerns from travellers heading to Sabah’s east coast, who often face severe congestion along the Telupid–Ranau road, with delays stretching over 12 hours on journeys that typically take six to eight hours.
Meanwhile, Federal Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi acknowledged that limited funding has hindered road development efforts nationwide.
"We need around RM4bil annually for roadworks across the country, but typically we only receive 25% to 30% of what we actually need," said Nanta.
"This issue is not unique to Sabah. It is a nationwide challenge, which is why the Works Ministry has consistently highlighted the need for larger annual allocations."
A federal-level monitoring committee has been established to oversee critical projects and improve coordination.
"We need more frequent meetings. The (ministry’s) Chief Secretary has also suggested tighter coordination so we can explore both short- and long-term solutions together.
"In the long run, we absolutely need bigger budgets. But in the short term, we can work with concession companies to prioritise essential works while securing the necessary funding," he said.
