LAHAD DATU: The Public Works Department (JKR), contractors, and project centres involved in the Pan Borneo Highway development have been urged to proactively identify potential risks that could disrupt project progress.
Works Minister Datuk Ir. Shahelmey Yahya said early identification of risks is essential to minimise negative impact and ensure the project stays on track.
“This proactive approach will help ensure the project is completed according to schedule,” he said during a visit to Package 20 of the Pan Borneo Highway project site in Lahad Datu on Tuesday.
As part of the visit, Shahelmey was also briefed by JKR on the project’s current progress. According to him, the project’s physical completion currently stands at only 1.6 per cent, though still within the contractual timeline.
However, he acknowledged that the percentage is relatively low, especially considering that the Letter of Acceptance (SST) was issued nearly eight months ago.
“I was informed that works are still largely focused on land assessment and evaluating affected houses,” he said, identifying this as the main reason behind the slow progress on the ground.
In response, Shahelmey directed the contractor to identify sections along Package 20 that are not affected by land acquisition issues, so that physical works such as clearing and alignment formation can proceed without delay.
“At least one kilometre of clearing and alignment works has started, and I hope this momentum will continue to improve over time,” he added.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining existing roads currently in use by the public, and called for serious attention to safety and traffic management throughout the Pan Borneo Highway construction period.
