Raise Pan Borneo speed limit to 110km/h on safe stretches, says Saratok MP

KUCHING (Jan 22): Speed limits on safe stretches of the Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak should be raised from 90km/h to 110km/h to improve traffic flow and reduce driver fatigue, said Saratok MP Datuk Ali Biju.

Speaking during the Dewan Rakyat debate on the Motion of Thanks for the Royal Address, Ali described the current 90km/h limit as impractical for a four-lane straight highway and capable of causing driver fatigue.

“Therefore, I call for a technical study to raise the speed limit to 110km/h on safe stretches, in line with international standards.

“Ten years ago, even before Pan Borneo, the speed limit was 90km/h. Today, it remains the same,” he said.

Ali also raised other safety concerns along the highway.

He said certain Redline sections, including Sibu Airport Simpang Durin, Batu Kawa-Padawan, Kemena in Bintulu, and Tudan in Miri, were uneven, pitted, and had inconsistent pavement thickness with inadequate drainage systems.

“I urge the government to clarify its long-term plan to standardise these stretches with the new alignments,” he said.

Sharp bends and P-turns were another area of concern, Ali noted, adding that these locations often lacked early warning signs, putting drivers at risk.

“I suggest installing yellow traverse bars before major P-turns and roundabouts. These would provide an early vibration alert to help reduce speed proactively,” he said.

He also recommended the installation of signboards to discourage the misuse of P-turns as dumping sites or informal rest areas.

“Such investment will provide optimal safety and comfort for highway users. I urge the government to show full commitment as this is a matter of road users’ lives,” he added.