Almost done but safety still a concern

KUCHING: Sarawak’s Pan Borneo Highway (PBH) is nearing completion, with only minor works remaining in the Sarikei, Beluru, and Lambir sections, said the Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD).
“All 25 sections of the 786km highway are currently open to the public,” said state JKR acting director Wisil Lichok in an interview with TVS at the PWD Sarawak Headquarters in Wisma Saberkas today (Nov 1).
“We expect to finish the remaining work by the end of the year.”
Despite challenges like labour shortages and rising material costs, the PWD has maintained steady progress through rigorous monitoring.
The highway’s management has been divided into three zones: South, Central, and North, each with a dedicated Zone Manager and Project Manager for every package.
“The Zone Heads and Project Managers are actively overseeing the ongoing construction work,” he said.

While construction progresses, safety remains a top priority.

The PWD has launched the ‘Pan Borneo Highway Safety Advocacy Tour’ to raise awareness about U-turns, speed limits, and overall road safety.
“In 2023, there were 1,974 accidents, including 92 fatalities. As of August 2024, the figures stand at 1,459 and 53, respectively,” he said.
U-turn-related accidents are particularly alarming, with 51 cases reported in 2023 and 65 up to August 2024.
“We urge the public to adhere to traffic rules, especially speed limits, and to perform U-turns correctly,” he said.
“Avoid dangerous manoeuvres like driving against the flow of traffic to save time.”
The PWD has also expressed concern over acts of vandalism and theft, such as damage to bus stops, littering, and theft of metal dividers and electric meters powering streetlights.
“These incidents not only increase safety risks but also incur additional repair costs for the government,” he added.