Sarawak’s first road tunnel at Bukit Pagon, Lawas advances as SSLR Phase 2 hits 11.39 pct

Cassidy (third left) being briefed on the SSLR project during a working visit to Lawas on June 11, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

LAWAS, June 12: Sarawak’s first tunnel project is being constructed at Bukit Pagon in Lawas under the Sarawak–Sabah Link Road (SSLR) Phase 2, which involves a 335.54-kilometre road alignment and has so far recorded 11.39 per cent physical progress.

Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak director, Datu Dr Ir Cassidy Morris, was given this update following a working visit to the Bukit Pagon tunnel site yesterday (June 11) to assess progress of the landmark infrastructure project, which forms part of the Ministry of Works Malaysia’s strategic connectivity initiative.

The proposed tunnel road project located at Bukit Pagon in Lawas.

Located in the Bakun Range at the Sarawak–Sabah border between Lawas and Limbang, the Bukit Pagon tunnel under Package 4, with a proposed length of approximately 2.24km, is a key engineering component designed to significantly reduce the need for hill cutting while shortening the travel distance from about 22.4km to just 7km.

Technical features include a 2 per cent longitudinal gradient, a maximum overburden depth of 321 metres, and emergency widening sections of 40 metres approximately every 500 metres to enhance safety.

The current progress of SSLR Phase 2 project as of June 11, 2026.

The SSLR Phase 2, which has already commenced, is scheduled for completion in 2029.

In a post on its social media today, JKR Sarawak emphasised that the tunnel is expected to significantly improve land connectivity between Sarawak and Sabah while enhancing access to interior and remote communities in northern Sarawak, marking a major milestone in the State’s infrastructure development agenda.

During the visit, Cassidy also inspected the progress of SSLR Phase 1, which has achieved 71.16 per cent completion and is scheduled for full completion on March 16, 2027.

One of the unique features of SSLR Phase 1 project is the use of the MyArch Bridge, a modern arch bridge design that not only meets technical and safety requirements but also serves as a new landmark along the route.

The project features the MyArch Bridge, a modern arch bridge design that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes while becoming a new landmark along the route.

Today, Cassidy continued his working visit in Lawas by inspecting SSLR Phase 2 Package 3, involving a 62.915-kilometre road built to JKR R3 standards.

The package has reached 16.25 per cent physical progress and is targeted for completion by June 2029, further strengthening connectivity, accessibility and mobility in northern Sarawak. — DayakDaily