Sabah Pan Borneo project delayed by land acquisition issues

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KOTA KINABALU (BERNAMA) – The construction of Phase 1A of the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway (LPB) is facing delays due to land acquisition issues and the extensive time required for utility relocation along the project alignment, said Malaysian Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

He noted that the landowners’ refusal to cooperate, with some taking the matter to court, has delayed the project, necessitating an extension of time (EOT).

“Therefore, we want to prevent this issue from arising in the implementation of Phase 1B of the Sabah LPB, where the contractor received the letter of acceptance just two days ago,” he said during an inspection of the project yesterday.

According to Ahmad, as of August, the progress of the 15 work packages in Phase 1A of the Sabah LPB stood at 79.48 per cent.

“Four work packages have been completed and are now open to road users, while the remaining packages are at various stages of construction.

“These are expected to be finished in phases by the first quarter of 2026. Phase 1A covers an estimated distance of 283 kilometres,” he said.

Malaysian Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan reviewing the progress of the Pan Borneo Highway project. PHOTO: BERNAMA