Sabah Big Biker Association president Datuk Osman Ahmed said accelerating the construction of the highway would open doors to greater economic growth, thereby improving the socio-economic status of local residents.
For instance, he said once the highway is in place, the association could invite more bikers from outside Sabah, and even from other countries to explore the beauty of the Land Below the Wind, thereby boosting the state’s tourism sector.
“I hope the highway construction goes smoothly and as scheduled, as this will positively impact Sabah’s overall development,” he said when contacted by Bernama.
“Besides the tourism sector, the highway will also increase job opportunities and local investments along the route, so we need to expedite this project,” he added.
On Oct 18, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling the Budget 2025 announced that 17 work packages for the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway Phase 1B had received the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) with a contract value of MYR9.7 billion. These packages cover the Kota Belud to Kudat, Tawau to Kampung Lot M, and Telupid to Ranau routes.
Earlier on July 29, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi reportedly said that the construction of the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway Phase 1A had reached 77.41 per cent completion and it is expected to be fully completed by 2026.
He said Phase 1A should have already been completed, but delays occurred due to various issues, including coordination challenges among contractors, government agencies and consultants.
The Consumers Front of Sabah (CFOS) president Nordin Thani said there are no acceptable excuses for project delays as contractors are already aware of their responsibilities before agreeing to take on any project.
He stressed that the highway needs to be completed quickly to prevent road accidents in the construction areas, due to inadequate safety measures implemented by contractors and related agencies on site.
“We urge the government and agencies involved to prioritise road users’ safety because the longer it takes to complete, the more fatalities may occur. Prioritise the safety of road users by placing clear signages and detour directions on the roads.
“The contractors involved in the project are reminded to emphasise safety factors throughout the highway construction process. Road users’ safety, including pedestrians, must be prioritised first, with supervision from relevant authorities,” he added.
Azmil Abdul Rauf, 40, an express bus driver on the Kota Kinabalu-Lahad Datu-Kunak-Semporna route, also expressed hope for the highway to be completed so that the journey to the East Coast could be shortened from 10 hours to eight hours.
Azmil, who has driven an express bus for 15 years said the new route would not only reduce travel time, it will also reduce vehicle repair costs because the roads are in good condition.
“We hope this project can be completed as soon as possible because the people of Sabah truly need it,” he said.
