Hajiji being briefed during his visit to inspect the progress of the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway Project, WP25 package, in Sukau today.
SUKAU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor personally inspected the progress of the Pan Borneo Highway project here today, stressing the need for immediate coordination among agencies to ensure it stays on schedule without further delays.
During his working visit, he stopped at the WP25 package worksite for an inspection, monitoring and briefing session while travelling from Sandakan to Lahad Datu in conjunction with his Security Inspection Visit to the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (ESSZone).
Hajiji was accompanied by State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin, State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong, Sabah Federal Secretary Datuk Mohd Razali Wahab, as well as assistant ministers and senior government officials.
At a briefing by the Public Works Department (JKR), he was informed that the WP25 project, spanning approximately 14.96 kilometres from Kampung Perpaduan Datuk Moh to Sukau, has reached physical progress of 12.35 per cent compared to the scheduled 15.30 per cent.
Financial progress currently stands at 11.52 per cent.
The project, valued at about RM269.9 million, is scheduled for completion within 36 months, with a target date of February 2028.
Among the main construction components are a flyover, bus stops, pedestrian bridges, drainage and culvert systems aimed at enhancing safety and comfort for road users.
Hajiji was also briefed on several constraints affecting progress, including issues related to utility relocation, land acquisition and demolition of existing structures.
Utility-related problems were identified as among the main factors slowing earthworks, in addition to logistical challenges and temporary access limitations within the project area.
Apart from WP25, he was also updated on the nearby WP24 package, covering a 15.88-kilometre stretch from Sungai Takala to Kampung Perpaduan Datuk Moh.
As of April 2026, physical progress for WP24 stood at about 15.60 per cent, with slight delays compared to the original schedule.
Hajiji stressed the importance of effective coordination among all agencies to resolve on-site issues, including expediting land acquisition and utility relocation to prevent further delays.
He said the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway Project Phase 1B is among the Government’s strategic initiatives to strengthen the road infrastructure network, boost economic growth and improve connectivity across the East Coast.
“The State Government is committed to ensuring that every development project is implemented in a well-planned manner, closely monitored and completed on schedule for the benefit of the people,” he said.
