KOTA KINABALU: Sipitang MP Datuk Matbali Musah is committed to tackling issues concerning the execution of the Pan Borneo Highway project in Sabah until its full completion.
He emphasised that this is essential since the overall progress of the project in Sabah is considerably behind that of Sarawak.
In this context, he promised to raise the matter once more during the debates in the Dewan Rakyat session scheduled for next June.
“The Pan Borneo Highway project in Sabah is essential to be completed promptly, as it serves as the main artery for connectivity and a catalyst for the state’s economic development,” he said.
He made these remarks during a Ramadan Iftar with the media event here on Thursday.
Matbali, who is also the Chairman of the Malaysian Cocoa Board, noted that the issue of the Pan Borneo Highway project often becomes the focus of his discussions in Parliament, as it aims to convey the ‘voice of the people’s heart in Sabah’.
“After raising it several times in Parliament, there has indeed been progress regarding the implementation of this project.
“Therefore, we will continue to monitor its development, especially in the Sipitang parliamentary area, which includes the Sindumin-Melalia-Beaufort stretch,” he said.
He added that this way, the Federal Government can provide answers and updates on its implementation from time to time.
On March 3, Deputy Minister of Works Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan stated that the government has imposed certain penalties and liquidated damages (LAD) amounting to RM31.8 million on two contractors for the Pan Borneo Highway project who failed to complete their work within the stipulated timeframe.
According to Ahmad Maslan, 23 work packages have been identified as delayed compared to the original schedule for the implementation of this mega infrastructure project.
“The delays are influenced by several key factors, including unpredictable weather conditions, challenges in land acquisition, utility relocation issues, and contractor performance on site,” he said.
