Land acquisition alone for Pan Borneo Highway cost RM900 mln: Fadillah

KUCHING: The government spent a total of RM900 million just to acquire land for the Sarawak Pan Borneo Highway.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said initially, the government earmarked a total of RM1 billion for the purpose.

“It is not an easy process, as we have to locate landowners. But in the end, we managed to resolve it with a total cost of RM900 million,” he said at the Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak Dreams Become Reality dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) last night (Dec 3).

Fadillah added that a significant challenge during the project implementation was the change in government, where the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government cancelled the Project Delivery Partner (PDP) concept, opting for the conventional approach with the state Public Works Department (PWD) as the implementing agency.

“With the conventional method at that time, contractors and consultants faced issues due to the lack of clear implementation directions. Delays occurred due to adjustments made after the shift from the PDP concept to the conventional approach,” he said.

Reflecting on the history of the project, the Petra Jaya MP commended the fact that former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak committed himself to implementing the highway.

He stressed the significance of collaboration between the federal and state governments, particularly from the late former Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, and the clear direction provided by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“That’s why Sarawak managed to complete the Pan Borneo project despite numerous challenges.

“We see how it can help impart new skills and knowledge not only to consultants and contractors but to the entire value chain in the construction industry, including raw material suppliers, lawyers and bankers.

“The aspiration for Pan Borneo as a game-changer, God willing, will become a reality by at least the first quarter of 2024, and the entire project will be completed,” he added.

Also present were state PWD director Datuk Richard Tajan, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, federal Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and Ministry of Works secretary general Datuk Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad.