By Datuk Henrynus Amin, President, Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (ANAK NEGERI)
KOTA KINABALU: The decision by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to launch an investigation into Phase 1 of the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway project is both timely and essential.
The damning revelations in the Auditor-General’s Report reflect the deep frustration felt across Sabah over endless delays, cost overruns, and questionable construction quality.
It is deeply concerning that out of the RM11.15 billion allocated, RM10.55 billion—nearly 95%—has already been spent, yet only 4 out of 35 packages (11.4%) have been completed years past the original 2021 target deadline.
The PAC must demand clear answers: where has the money gone, and why is there such a massive disparity between financial disbursement and actual physical progress?
Standard individual packages are designed to take 3 to 4 years, yet Phase 1A has dragged on for nearly a decade due to administrative delays, contractor failures, and unresolved land acquisitions.
Rolling out 17 new packages for Phase 1B under such circumstances raises serious questions about project planning and prioritization.
Furthermore, the overall project cost has swollen from RM17.91 billion to RM18.39 billion, including over RM500 million in variation orders beyond authorized limits.
Meanwhile, recently completed stretches are already showing surface cracks, potholes, and structural defects, posing severe safety risks to motorists.
While Sarawak’s portion of the highway nears full completion, Sabahans are left navigating unfinished, hazardous roads that damage vehicles, claim lives, disrupt basic utilities, and choke local economic growth. The Pan Borneo Highway is a necessity, not a luxury.
The PAC must execute a thorough, uncompromised inquiry. Any evidence of negligence, corruption, or abuse of power must be handed straight to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the police for immediate action. Sabahans deserve transparency, safety, and accountability.
