Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Ministry of Public Works has prioritised flood mitigation in the planning and construction of the Pan Borneo Highway to ensure it does not negatively impact the drainage system, the Sabah state assembly was told today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Assistant Minister Datuk Limus Jury stated that several measures were taken during the early stages of the project. These included route planning and design, flood simulation and risk assessment, as well as the construction of elevated roads in Beaufort. Jury was responding to an inquiry from Dr Daud Yusof (Warisan-Bongawan) about steps to prevent flooding in low-lying areas during heavy rain, particularly concerning the Pan Borneo Highway project.

Limus further explained that the alignment planning and design for the highway underwent thorough evaluation and received approval from relevant government agencies, including the Sabah Department of Irrigation and Drainage. The Sabah Environmental Protection Department also played a crucial role by approving the Environmental Impact Assessment report and overseeing flood simulations before the project’s commencement.

He emphasized that the project contractor is responsible for ensuring that both temporary and new drainage systems remain free from sediment, debris, or vegetation. Routine monitoring and maintenance are carried out to ensure smooth water flow at all times.

Limus concluded by noting that the project team has taken the initiative to enhance the original drainage designs along the Pan Borneo Highway boundary. These enhancements are based on current needs and on-site conditions to improve drainage and reduce the risk of flooding.