Kota kinabalu: Nine work packages under Phase 1A of the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway project are anticipated to be fully completed and opened to motorists this year, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan announced. The packages include PK1 (Sindumin to Kampung Melalia), PK3 (Beaufort to Bongawan), PK4 (Bongawan to Papar), PK7 (Inanam to Sepanggar), PK8 (Sepanggar to Berungis), PK10 (Pituru to Rampayan Laut), PK11 (Kampung Maya to Baungon), PK29 (Moynod to Sapi Nangoh) and PK30 (Sapi Nangoh to Telupid).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Maslan shared that four out of the 15 work packages under Phase 1A were completed in stages between 2023 and 2025. The completion of the upcoming nine packages is expected this year, bringing positive developments for the residents of Sabah. He conveyed this information to reporters following his visit to the Sabah Public Works Department office at Wisma Pan Borneo in Putatan.

Phase 1 of the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway project encompasses 35 work packages spanning a total alignment of 706km from Sindumin to Tawau. To facilitate implementation and financing, the project is divided into Phase 1A and Phase 1B. Ahmad highlighted that another four work packages are projected to be completed next year, including PK2 (Kampung Melalia to Beaufort), PK12 (Sarang to Temuno), PK19 (IGN Estate to Agri Harvest), and PK28 (Batu 32 Sandakan to Moynod).

He mentioned that 12 work packages are slated for completion in 2028, with an additional three in 2029, and the final three packages expected by 2030. Ahmad expressed hope that any packages that can be expedited will be accelerated to address long-standing issues faced by the community.

Additionally, Ahmad noted that two work packages involving the Putatan and Manggatal routes would be opened to motorists from July, which will allow traffic to bypass Kota Kinabalu. This development aims to alleviate congestion, encouraging road users without business in Kota Kinabalu to use the route for smoother travel.