MOTS seeks user input to avoid underused R&R facilities along Pan Borneo Highway

Lee sits in the driver’s seat of one of Mutiara Borneo’s newly launched MAN Euro 5 double-decker coaches, which have begun serving inter-city routes across Sarawak.

By Amanda L

KUCHING, July 14: Bus operators, passengers and motorists will have a direct say in determining where future rest and relaxation (R&R) facilities should be built along the Pan Borneo Highway to avoid poorly located or underused stops, says Minister of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

According to Lee, MOTS is gathering feedback from long-distance bus operators and road users to identify strategic locations where additional R&R facilities are genuinely needed before submitting the proposals to the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR). The recommendations will subsequently be channelled to the Federal Public Works Department (JKR Malaysia), as the Pan Borneo Highway falls under federal jurisdiction.

Describing the initiative as increasingly important, Lee pointed out that the existing number of R&R facilities is no longer sufficient to support the growing volume of buses and passengers using the highway.

Managing director of Mutiara Borneo Sdn Bhd, Hamdin Morsidi (left) presenting a memento of appreciation to Lee (centre), witnessed by Managing director of Man Truck & Bus Malaysia, Marc Appelt (right) on July 14, 2026.

“It is very important because we do not have enough R&R facilities at the moment. The number of buses and passengers has increased, and this request has come not only from bus operators and passengers but also from motorists.

“We need more places for people to stop and rest,” he told reporters after launching Mutiara Borneo Sdn Bhd’s new premium coach service here today.

To ensure future facilities are built where they are most needed, the ministry has asked long-distance bus operators to recommend suitable locations based on their day-to-day operations.

Once the proposals are compiled, Lee said they will be submitted to JKR Sarawak before being forwarded to JKR Malaysia for consideration.

“We welcome their suggestions. Once we receive all the proposals, we will submit them to JKR Sarawak, which can then bring the matter to JKR Malaysia.

“I hope the federal government will consider adding more R&R facilities along the Pan Borneo Highway at appropriate locations,” he said.

Meanwhile, commenting on concerns over several underused R&R facilities, including those near Lundu and Sebangkoi, Lee stressed that future projects must be driven by actual demand rather than convenience in land availability.

In his view, bus operators, passengers and motorists are best placed to identify where rest stops are genuinely required, adding that facilities should not be built in isolated locations where travellers are unlikely to stop.

“That is why we want to hear directly from those who use the roads,” he said.

At present, he noted that there are only two official R&R facilities along the Pan Borneo Highway, although a number of privately operated rest stops also serve motorists.

While acknowledging the role of these private facilities, he observed that some do not offer the level of comfort expected by travellers. As such, his ministry will work with JKR to assess the overall need for additional R&R facilities before finalising its recommendations.

Looking ahead, Lee expects demand for such facilities to continue rising as the Pan Borneo Highway network expands and connectivity improves across Sarawak.

“The number of bus passengers is clearly increasing because our road network has improved. More bridges have been completed, and as more road sections are opened, travelling distances will become shorter.

“I am confident bus services will continue to grow in the future,” he added. — DayakDaily