Pan Borneo Highway now only 1 per cent behind schedule, says Baru Bian

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Baru Bian

KUCHING: The Pan Borneo Highway project in Sarawak is now 42 per cent completed, just one per per cent behind the scheduled 43 per cent completion, says Works Minister Baru Bian.

Baru disclosed the project’s progress when met by The Borneo Post after chairing a joint committee meeting on federal projects in Sarawak held at Wisma Bapa Malaysia in Petra Jaya here yesterday.

“We are also briefed about the complaints received from the ground and in particular Tatau, Balingian, Sibu and Selangau.”

Baru, who is the Selangau MP, said based on feedback the ministry had gathered, one of the causes for the bad condition of the road was overloaded trucks plying the routes.

Other factors, he added, included weather condition and poor road maintenance and repair.

“We are very aware of the problem. And I have emphasised that the safety of road users is of paramount importance.”

He said his ministry is working closely with the state Public Works Department (JKR) to draw up the standard operating procedure (SOP) and plan to ensure smooth implementation of the project.

He added that the authorities are aware of the challenges of ‘live construction’, pertaining to traffic flow while construction is being carried out.

“These are the challenges faced by the contractors. Again, we can improve. Working together with all stakeholders – the contractors, the subcontractors, JKR Sarawak, KKR Pusat (Federal Works Ministry) and with understanding from the public, I think we can do this within the time given to us.

“And deliver (the project) with standard and quality that is acquired of the construction,” said Baru.

The Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak covers a total length of 1,060km, of which 193km is dual carriageway.

In view of the coming Lunar New Year celebration, Baru advised road users not to drive too fast on the highway which is under construction.

“We need to play our role as road users. It (the highway) is under construction, so just be careful.”

Relating his experience in travelling to his constituency, Baru admitted that the road condition ‘is bad’.

He said the ministry had also been briefed on potholes and setting up of some diversions.

“There would be some kind of disruptions,” he said, reiterating that road users must be cautious travelling on the highway.