RM123 mln Bako-Buntal road project ahead of schedule, completion expected in 2028

KUCHING (Jan 8): The RM123-million Bako-Buntal road project is progressing ahead of schedule, with completion now expected in 2028 – four months earlier than planned.

Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Aidel Lariwoo, said that the 8.5-kilometre (km) road linking Buntal to Bako has reached 26 per cent completion and is moving forward without major issues.

“So far, there have been no problems in terms of the contractor sourcing construction materials such as sand, soil, and other materials,” he said during a site visit today.

“The Public Works Department (JKR) is collaborating closely with the contractor to further accelerate the timeline.”

However, a 600-metre stretch in the Buntal area remains inaccessible due to unresolved land claims.

Aidel noted that the Land and Survey Department and JKR are actively addressing the matter.

“Once this is resolved, construction can proceed smoothly,” he said.

He also detailed that the road is being built to JKR R3 standards for the main route, while spur roads in Buntal and Bako will follow JKR R1 standards to complete the local network.

“Most sections along the 8.5-kilometre alignment are located on soft ground, requiring the use of the surcharge construction method.”

This involves placing temporary loads along the embankment to compress the soil before removal, ensuring a stable foundation for subsequent layers such as stone base and pavement, he explained.

Aidel expressed confidence in the contractor’s performance, adding that progress on associated structures, including a bridge along the route, is satisfactory.

Once finished, the road will greatly improve connectivity between Bako and Buntal, and will eventually link to the dual carriageway under construction from the Sarawak Liaison Roundabout to Santubong.