Priority for upgrade of Bintulu–Bakun Federal Road in Budget 2027

BELAGA: The proposed upgrading of the Bintulu–Bakun Federal Road will be prioritised for consideration under Budget 2027, including the construction of six overtaking lanes to improve traffic flow and road safety.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the proposal is part of the Ministry of Works’ (KKR) plans to improve the road, including through road widening and the construction of overtaking lanes at identified locations.

He said the overtaking lanes are proposed as an initial measure based on current needs and available funding, before more comprehensive road widening could be considered in the future.

“We are using a strategy where we construct the overtaking lanes first because there is a clear need for them. Once that is done, over time we can eventually propose it as a new project to construct two lanes in each direction,” he said in an UKAS report.

Nanta was speaking at the Program YB Menteri Kerja Raya Bersama Rakyat at Sungai Asap here recently.

He said the proposed upgrading of the route had been raised as a priority by KKR for consideration and approval under the upcoming Budget, while also seeking the Sarawak government’s support to strengthen the proposal.

He said six locations along the route has been identified for the proposed overtaking lanes to help address the narrow and hilly road conditions, particularly when motorists encounter heavy vehicles.

Such conditions could affect traffic flow, especially for road users travelling to important facilities such as airports and hospitals, he said.

At the same time, Nanta said KKR is also looking into the need to improve lighting at certain locations, including residential areas and junctions, to enhance road safety at night.

He said proposals requiring larger allocations would need to undergo further assessment and consideration by the ministry and relevant agencies based on technical requirements and available financial resources.

Meanwhile, Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon highlighted the need to upgrade the main access road to the Sungai Asap BRS, spanning about 20 kilometres, as well as access roads to 15 longhouses to Public Works Department (JKR) R3 standards.

He also proposed the provision of motorcycle lanes and street lighting, as well as for the main Sungai Asap BRS access road to be considered as an extension of the Bintulu–Bakun Federal Road.

Chukpai said a better and safer road network is important to rural communities as it connected residents to education, healthcare, employment, markets and economic opportunities.

Nanta, meanwhile, explained that the proposed 28-kilometre road raised during the programme fell under the scope of rural development and is not under KKR’s jurisdiction.

However, he said the proposal could be referred to the relevant ministry for further consideration.