RM119 million upgraded to Redline Pan Borneo Sarawak

TATAU, Sept. 21: Ministry of Public Works allocates RM119 million to implement the project to upgrade the 17.1-kilometre long Pan Borneo Sarawak Highway Redline (short stretch).

Minister of Public Works, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the upgrades are expected to be completed within 16 months, but contractors aimed to prepare them ahead.

According to him, the project involves work on upgrading road infrastructure structures at nine locations including Lachau, Selangau, Balingian, Kemena, Sebiew and Tudan.

"Contractor, from DAL-HCM Sdn. Bhd. officially took ownership of the site on 17 September, with a target completion date in early 2028.

"All in all, this Short Stretch we have an allocation of RM119 million. These works were carried out to speed up the upgrade process.

"We want the contractor to complete these Short Stretch works earlier than 16 months", he said.

He said the implementation of the project will be jointly monitored by the Ministry of Public Works and Sarawak Public Works Department to ensure that work goes on schedule.

In related developments, Nanta explained that the Redline line of about 136 kilometers is divided into short stretch and long stretch to facilitate implementation and monitoring of the project.

Of that total, about 17 kilometers is a short stretch, while more than 119 kilometers are categorized as long stretches.

He said the Redline line was a route that had not been fully upgraded during the initial implementation of the Pan Borneo Highway Project.

He said the upgrading work is essential to ensure that the comfort and safety of road users in Sarawak continue to be a priority.