KUCHING: The Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak is now in the final stages of being gazetted as a Grade 1 road, marking a significant milestone that will enhance Sarawak's road infrastructure capacity and support the state's economic growth.
Sarawak Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board chairman, Michael Kong Feng Nian said 17 out of the 26 sectors of the highway, stretching from Teluk Melano in Lundu to Permyjaya, Miri have already been officially gazetted under "List 1" of the Weight Restriction Order, while the remaining nine sectors are currently undergoing the same process.
Kong said as a result of this upgrade, the maximum permissible gross vehicle weight for heavy vehicles using the highway would be revised upward to 45 tonnes for five-axle lorries and 50 tonnes for six-axle lorries.
Kong said upgrading and reclassifying the Pan Borneo Highway was an ongoing effort involving close collaboration with Sarawak's Road Transport Department (JPJ), Public Works Department and Transport Ministry.
"This gazettement confirms that the Pan Borneo Highway has been constructed to the highest standards, comparable to major roads in Peninsular Malaysia," he said in a statement here today after visiting a Sarawak JPJ enforcement station.
"The new limits are expected to benefit lorry operators across Sarawak and improve logistical efficiency state-wide.
"This enhancement reflects the improved infrastructure capacity of the Pan Borneo Highway as well as the federal government's commitment to balancing road safety, transport efficiency and economic needs," he said. – Bernama
