No More Excuses, Says Salleh as Sabah Pan Borneo Delays Continue to Carry Heavy Costs
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Inspector General of Projects Datuk Seri Dr. Salleh Said Keruak has issued a stern reminder that there is no room for avoidable delays in the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway Project, warning that every setback increases costs and postpones the benefits that the people of Sabah have long been waiting for.
Reaffirming his commitment to closely monitor the implementation of the massive infrastructure project, Salleh said the timelines are already clear and all stakeholders must ensure that each work package is delivered according to schedule.
“Every delay comes with a cost.
“It increases project expenses and postpones the economic and social benefits that the people of Sabah deserve,” he said after conducting a site visit together with officials from the Public Works Department (JKR), contractors and relevant agencies today.
Despite the warning, Salleh expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved so far, noting that several key work packages have shown encouraging momentum and remain on track to achieve important milestones this year.
He said Work Packages (WP) 3, 4, 10 and 29 are expected to secure their Certificates of Partial Completion (CPC) before the end of 2026.
According to him, the positive progress demonstrates the commitment of all parties involved in ensuring that the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway remains one of the state’s top infrastructure priorities.
“I am encouraged by the progress achieved so far.
“These packages are moving according to plan and we want to maintain this momentum until the project is fully completed,” he said.
A major achievement under the project was recorded earlier this month with the opening of a new four-lane dual carriageway connecting the Bongawan flyover and the Benoni flyover.
The road section, which opened to motorists on June 15, is expected to significantly improve traffic flow while enhancing safety for road users travelling along the route.
Salleh described the opening as an important milestone, saying it reflects the tangible progress being made under the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway initiative.
He added that Work Packages 6 and 7 are also progressing steadily and are expected to complete their original scope of works, achieve CPC status and open the route linking the Putatan flyover to the Sepanggar interchange by October this year.
“This will be another important milestone for Sabah because improved connectivity will bring direct benefits to businesses, communities and the economy as a whole,” he said.
Looking ahead, Salleh said the remaining five packages under Phase 1A are scheduled for completion between 2027 and 2028.
However, he stressed that all stakeholders must remain focused and address any issues affecting progress as early as possible to avoid unnecessary setbacks.
“The timelines are clear. The targets are known.
“The people of Sabah expect results and it is our responsibility to ensure that every package is delivered according to schedule,” he said.
Salleh emphasised that the Pan Borneo Highway is more than just a road construction project.
He described it as a long-term investment that will transform Sabah’s transportation network, stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life for communities across the state.
According to him, delays do not merely affect project costs but also postpone opportunities for businesses, reduce potential economic spillovers and slow the delivery of public benefits.
“This is why we cannot afford complacency.
“Every day matters because every day of progress brings Sabah closer to enjoying the full benefits of this transformative project,” he said.
Salleh added that he will continue working closely with JKR, contractors and all relevant agencies to ensure the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway remains on schedule and that any obstacles are resolved promptly in the interest of the people and the state’s future development.
