8 packages of Sabah Pan Borneo Highway to open before year-end

The Public Accounts Committee is investigating the Pan Borneo Highway's management, financial governance, and physical implementation. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: Eight packages of the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah stretching 177km in total will open in stages before the year ends, says deputy chief minister Dr Joachim Gunsalam.

Joachim, the state works minister, said improvements will be carried out by the Sabah government after the auditor-general's report released two weeks ago flagged multiple issues with the project.

"Our focus now is to resolve the issues raised so that the people can use the highway as soon as possible," he said, according to Berita Harian.

As of Sept 25, eight packages spanning 41.5km have been fully completed, comprising sections connecting Papar to Donggongon, Tawau to Semporna, the Lahad Datu Bypass, and Kampung Lot M to Sandakan Mile 32.

Six packages involving 135.8km have received certificates of partial occupation, connecting Sindumin to Beaufort, Bongawan-Putatan to Tebobon, and Moynod to Sapi Nangoh.

Meanwhile, eight other packages that make up 161.8km of the highway are expected to receive certificates of practical completion next year.

Yesterday, Joachim said the claim in the auditor-general's report that the project was only 11.4% complete did not reflect actual progress on the ground as it only measured fully handed-over packages.

He said other packages were actively being built, with some alignments recording between 90% and 93% physical progress.

The issues highlighted by the report have led to an investigation by the Public Accounts Committee into the management, financial governance, and physical implementation of the Pan Borneo project in Sabah.