13MP: Pan Borneo, SSLR, Trans Borneo Highway completion top priority, says Works Minister
KUCHING (Aug 2): The Works Ministry is prioritising the completion of the Pan Borneo Highway, Sarawak–Sabah Link Road (SSLR), and Trans Borneo Highway as key infrastructure projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), assures Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
In a statement today, Nanta said this aligns with the federal government's push for equitable development across all regions.
'The ministry is committed to completing the Pan Borneo Highway Project in Sabah and Sarawak within the 13MP period, in addition to continuing the construction of the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) and the Trans Borneo Highway as the main drivers of Borneo integration,' he said in response to the 13MP tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Parliament on July 31.
The SSLR will provide a direct land connection between Sarawak and Sabah without passing through Brunei, while the Trans Borneo Highway will link Malaysia to Kalimantan, boosting cross-border trade and tourism.
Nanta also revealed plans to expand rural road networks nationwide, targeting 2,800km of roads by 2030 – up from 2,436km in 2024.
These include road upgrades in Felda and Felcra settlements, along with improvements in drainage, utilities, and other rural infrastructure.
In Peninsular Malaysia, the ministry will continue upgrading the North–South Expressway (PLUS), including widening sections from Juru to Sungai Dua in Penang, and from Senai Utara to Machap in Johor, to support the Northern and Southern Corridors.
Nanta added that completing the Lingkaran Tengah Utama (LTU) from Bentong to Kuala Krai remains a priority to drive development in the East Coast.
To strengthen border connectivity, the ministry will upgrade the Rantau Panjang–Sungai Golok Bridge linking Kelantan and Thailand, and the Kalabakan–Simanggaris route connecting Sabah with Indonesia, he added.
Nanta said the Works Ministry is embracing modern construction technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the Industrialised Building System (IBS) to boost project efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
Road safety will also be enhanced through smart infrastructure solutions, he said, including traffic lights, street lighting, and speed monitoring systems.
In line with Malaysia's target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, Nanta said his ministry will promote the use of eco-friendly building materials and low-carbon infrastructure solutions.
'The 13MP is not just about building roads, bridges and buildings. It is actually building the people's hope and confidence in the country's future.
'This is infrastructure for all that is fair, equitable and brings long-term benefits to all Malaysians, both in urban and rural areas,' he said. alexander nanta linggi Pan Borneo SSLR trans borneo highway
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