MIRI: Northern Sarawak is set to see significant improvements to its road connectivity with the completion of three major road projects, namely the Trans Borneo Highway (LTB), Sarawak Sabah Link Road Project Phase 1 (SSLR 1), and Sarawak Sabah Link Road Project Phase 2 (SSLR 2).
Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (Infrastructure Development) Datuk Aidel Lariwoo announced this during a site visit to the Trans Borneo Highway in Sungai 7, Miri today.
The Trans Borneo Highway project aims to upgrade the existing road from Miri to Limbang and Lawas, extending to Sabah via Brunei Darussalam over a stretch of 93.25 km.
Currently in the planning stage, the project is divided into three packages: from Kuala Baram to the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Sungai Tujuh, Miri (4.9 km), from ICQS Tedungan to ICQS Pandaruan, Limbang (54.6 km), and from Lawas town to ICQS Merapok, Lawas (33.7 km).
The first phase of the 76 km SSLR project, from Lawas to Long Lopeng Junction, began on Aug 9, 2021, and has reached 35 per cent completion.
This progress is five per cent ahead of the initial target of 30.32 per cent, with full completion expected by November 2026.
The project, funded by a RM1 billion allocation from the federal government, aims to connect Sarawak and Sabah without passing through Brunei.
It is projected to be finished by the third quarter of 2026, enhancing connectivity and socio-economic growth in rural areas.
The SSLR project’s construction involves upgrading existing roads to R3 standards and building new alignments over 322 km.
This network will connect Lawas, Limbang, and Mulu town in Sarawak, bypassing Brunei Darussalam.
The RM7.2 billion project, implemented in four packages, will improve access and mobility for local communities and tourists alike.
The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the need for such connectivity, especially when Brunei closed its borders, isolating northern Sarawak and necessitating aid deliveries through Sabah.
The letter of acceptance for this project was issued to the main contractor, Maltimur Aktif Unggul JV, by the Malaysian Minister of Public Works on March 26, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur.
The Sarawak Public Works Department will oversee the project, which is expected to be completed within five years, with preliminary site works already underway.
