KOTA KINABALU, March 23 – The federal government has been urged to implement the Pan Borneo Highway project in the interiors of Sabah without waiting for the completion of Phases 1 and 2.
Senator Bobbey Suan said the project should be given priority as it can effectively connect Sabah’s interior with areas of economic growth, such as Kota Kinabalu and Nusantara, which will be the new capital city of Indonesia.
He said areas such as Nabawan, Keningau, Tambunan, and Tenom are expected to benefit significantly, particularly regarding economic spillover.
“The progress of the Pan Borneo Highway project is still very slow and has caused frustration among road users in Sabah,” he said in a statement.
“It cannot be denied that the new capital of Indonesia will become a new field for economic and geopolitical development in the region.
“Therefore, the Pan Borneo Highway project is crucial as a catalyst for us to reap the benefits,” he said, stressing that all parties must be serious in ensuring this becomes a reality and not allowing the project to be hindered by issues involving land acquisition, contractors and so on.
