Pan Borneo Sabah project is progressing: Shahelmey

Daily Express

10-05-2025

Published on: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Published on: Sat, May 10, 2025
By: Abbey Junior Text Size: District engineers have been instructed to assess these flood-prone stretches on a case-by-case basis and provide recommendations for immediate action to keep the roads safe and accessible. Kota Kinabalu: The Pan Borneo Highway project in Sabah is progressing despite concerns over the contractor handling Package WP-35, which covers the upgrading of Jalan Kampung Nabutan to Ranau. State Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said work has already started on several sections, though some areas remain untouched due to ongoing land acquisition issues. 'I visited the site last week, covering packages 33, 34 and 35. Some clearing and preparation works have already started, but other areas remain untouched due to ongoing land acquisition processes,' he said. Shahelmey added that a special committee set up by the Pan Borneo Sabah Project Steering Committee is closely monitoring the progress, with monthly reviews on land acquisition and utility relocation. He assured that his Ministry will continue to monitor the project closely and seek regular updates from the Federal Works Ministry. 'Physical progress is visible in some sections, but it will take another three to six months before we can see more substantial progress,' he said during the Incentive Award Presentation Ceremony for Outstanding SPM Students in Putatan, Friday. The WP-35 package recently became the focus of a viral post alleging internal problems within the contractor, including a breakdown in partnership and questions over its ability to complete the work. Federal Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who was also named in the allegations, denied any wrongdoing and has since lodged a police report. Meanwhile, Shahelmey said roads in Beaufort and Sipitang that are frequently flooded are being reviewed for potential upgrades, including those near schools. He said district engineers have been instructed to assess these flood-prone stretches on a case-by-case basis and provide recommendations for immediate action to keep the roads safe and accessible. 'For roads that are completely cut off by flooding, district engineers and appointed contractors will carry out emergency works to restore access,' he said. Shahelmey also noted that parts of the Beaufort-Sipitang road, which often faces severe flooding, are within the Pan Borneo Highway construction area. He said his Ministry will investigate the causes of flooding in these sections and consider long-term solutions. 'For sections not covered under the Pan Borneo project, we will evaluate whether upgrades or other repairs are needed to address the flooding issue,' he added. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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