KOTA KINABALU, May 13 — Nine work packages under Phase 1A of the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway project are expected to be fully completed and opened to motorists this year, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said.

The packages are 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).

“Previously, four out of the 15 work packages under Phase 1A were completed in stages between 2023 and 2025. Another nine packages are expected to be completed this year, and this is certainly good news for the people of Sabah,” he told reporters after visiting the Sabah Public Works Department office at Wisma Pan Borneo in Putatan today.

Phase 1 of the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway project comprises 35 work packages covering a total alignment of 706km from Sindumin to Tawau.

The project is divided into Phase 1A and Phase 1B to streamline implementation and financing.

Ahmad said another four work packages are expected to be completed next year, namely PK2 (Kampung Melalia to Beaufort), PK12 (Sarang to Temuno), PK19 (IGN Estate to Agri Harvest) and PK28 (Batu 32 Sandakan to Moynod).

“We also expect 12 work packages to be completed in 2028, another three in 2029 and the final three packages by 2030. I do hope that any package that can be expedited will be accelerated to resolve long-standing issues faced by the people,” he said.

He also noted that two work packages involving the Putatan and Manggatal routes would be opened to motorists from July, allowing traffic to bypass Kota Kinabalu.

“This will help reduce congestion, and road users who do not have business in Kota Kinabalu are encouraged to use the route to ensure smoother travel,” he added. — Bernama