Latest news with #PanBorneo
Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
NCH Project To Drive Connectivity, Development In Northern Sarawak
LIMBANG, July 26 (Bernama) -- The Northern Coastal Highway (NCH) project will be a key driver of connectivity and development in northern Sarawak, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. He said the project, which involves the Lawas and Limbang areas, is part of the state's broader road network plan aimed at connecting regions that are currently separated by Brunei Darussalam. 'At today's meeting in Limbang, I met with technical teams from the Sarawak and Federal Public Works Departments (JKR), the Ministry of Works, and the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) to align on the technical implementation of the NCH project. This reflects strong collaboration between the Federal and Sarawak state governments,' he said in a statement. Nanta added that the NCH will provide an alternative domestic route connecting major towns such as Miri, Limbang, and Lawas, without the need to pass through Brunei. This will reduce dependence on the Miri–Temburong–Limbang route, which currently requires four immigration checks. 'This project will enhance mobility, ease daily life for the people, and unlock greater economic opportunities for rural communities,' he said. Key components of the NCH project include the construction of a new 87.96 km road, 10.16 km of access roads, 27 main structures (including 13 bridges, two of which will be iconic bridges over Sungai Limbang and Kuala Lawas), 44 bus stops, eight pedestrian bridges, and four Rest & Service Areas (RSAs). Five sections of the project are underway under Phase 1, which is expected to be completed by 2030. This includes three sections in Limbang (44.46 km) and two in Lawas (43.5 km). 'This project is not just about building roads; it's about creating a future infrastructure network that will support the economy, tourism, logistics, and improve the well-being of the people,' he added. Nanta also noted that the NCH will complement the Pan Borneo project by focusing on the northern coastal region and providing a critical link between Sarawak's central and southern regions, Brunei Darussalam, and Sabah via the Merapok border.
Malay Mail
07-07-2025
- Malay Mail
Crash on Sarawak's Pan Borneo Highway kills one, injures two
BINTULU, July 7 — An accident involving two vehicles on the Pan Borneo-Tatau road near Simpang Sangan yesterday evening claimed the life of a 30-year-old man and left two others injured. The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) identified the deceased as Mohammad Norazfarizdwan Iqbal Inai, who was driving a Toyota Vios. A team of six firefighters from the Tatau fire station was dispatched to the location following a distress call received at 7.06pm. In a statement, Tatau police chief DSP Jame Reis said preliminary investigations revealed that the accident occurred when the driver of a Perodua Kembara, who was in the left lane and attempting to switch to the right, was hit by a Toyota Vios travelling straight in the right lane. 'As a result of the collision, the Toyota Vios lost control and slammed into a road barrier at the P-Turn junction. 'The driver was trapped inside the vehicle and had to be extricated by the Tatau Fire and Rescue Department,' he said. Medical personnel from the Tatau clinic later confirmed that Mohammad Norazfarizdwan died at the scene. The driver of the Kembara and a passenger sustained injuries and were first treated at the Tatau clinic before being referred to Nyabau Hospital in Bintulu for further medical attention. The case is currently being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. Jame reminded motorists to always exercise caution while driving and to comply with all traffic regulations to avoid such incidents. Those who witnessed the accident or have relevant information can contact the investigating officer or the Tatau police station on 086-584615. — The Borneo Post
Daily Express
29-06-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Govt acknowledges public concerns on environ, social impacts
Published on: Sunday, June 29, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 29, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: Shahelmey inspects road clearing works during a landslide incident in Keningau. THE State Government has acknowledged public concerns about the environmental and social impacts of the Pan Borneo Highway in Sabah, following complaints of flooding, land clearing and disruptions to basic utilities in several areas. Shahelmey said such feedback is taken 'very seriously' and affirmed that authorities are addressing issues related to construction mishaps and their consequences. 'It's true that in some cases, unexpected issues have occurred, such as disruptions to water supplies or power cuts, which were occasionally caused by contractor mistakes,' he said, adding that all contractors are bound by regulations designed to minimise such impacts. According to him, collaborative efforts are ongoing with relevant authorities and site supervision teams to swiftly resolve any disruptions faced by the public. Flooding, he said, cannot be solely attributed to the highway project, as land development and weather also play a role in surface runoff and drainage failures. 'Although land clearing related to the project can contribute to runoff in some areas, other factors, such as surrounding land development and weather conditions, also play a significant role,' he said. He explained that the Pan Borneo project includes upgrades to existing drainage infrastructure, such as culverts and river channels, aimed at improving water flow and mitigating future floods. 'In fact, as part of the Pan Borneo initiative, we're also addressing existing drainage issues by upgrading culverts and improving river flow, which should help reduce flooding over time,' he said. On the Tawau segment of the highway, which passes through a forest reserve known to be a habitat for elephants and other wildlife, Shahelmey acknowledged the environmental concerns raised by conservationists and residents. 'The concerns about the environmental impact, particularly on wildlife such as elephants, are taken seriously,' he said. He stressed that the government is working closely with environmental and wildlife experts to reduce the ecological impact, including through the construction of designated wildlife crossings. 'Mitigation measures, including wildlife corridors and crossings, are being constructed to safeguard the habitat and reduce the risk of poaching,' he said. He clarified that the decision to proceed with the current alignment was made after detailed technical and environmental evaluations to ensure the route chosen had the least impact while remaining financially and logistically viable. 'This route was selected based on a balance of environmental, technical, and economic considerations, and was deemed to have the least overall impact while remaining viable within cost and engineering constraints,' he said.
The Star
02-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
UMS student group urges legal action over water issues
KOTA KINABALU: The water issue at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) persists, with a student movement group urging the university to sue the state Water Department for losses incurred during years of disruption. Suara Mahasiswa UMS president Fadhil Kasim said a recent statement by the Sabah Water Department claiming sufficient water supply to the university was false. "The department's statement on May 29 claiming that the supply in the R13 tank at UMS was always enough is irresponsible and a lie," he said. He said constant water disruptions forced students and the UMS community to incur extra living costs, including renting, utilities, and education fees. "We urge UMS to take legal action against the Sabah Water Department and sue them for at least RM100mil to cover these costs," said Fadhil. To support this demand, he claimed a fact check by the student representative council and UMS maintenance and development department found days when water levels in the main UMS tank and the water department tank were at zero metres. "This means the water supply from the Water Department did not reach UMS," he alleged. Fadhil urged authorities, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), to investigate potential corruption and abuse in handling this water crisis and the delayed Pan Borneo Project. "The Pan Borneo project, which passes by UMS, is also seen as a factor in the UMS water crisis," he said. He added that suspicions of a mega industrial company in Sepanggar using much of the supply meant for UMS should also be investigated. He said the call for the Sabah Water Department to be sued will be among their main agendas at their scheduled peaceful rally on June 21 and June 22. The water crisis in UMS started worsening about two years ago.
Daily Express
10-05-2025
- Daily Express
Pan Borneo Sabah project is progressing: Shahelmey
Published on: Saturday, May 10, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 10, 2025 By: Abbey Junior Text Size: District engineers have been instructed to assess these flood-prone stretches on a case-by-case basis and provide recommendations for immediate action to keep the roads safe and accessible. Kota Kinabalu: The Pan Borneo Highway project in Sabah is progressing despite concerns over the contractor handling Package WP-35, which covers the upgrading of Jalan Kampung Nabutan to Ranau. State Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said work has already started on several sections, though some areas remain untouched due to ongoing land acquisition issues. 'I visited the site last week, covering packages 33, 34 and 35. Some clearing and preparation works have already started, but other areas remain untouched due to ongoing land acquisition processes,' he said. Shahelmey added that a special committee set up by the Pan Borneo Sabah Project Steering Committee is closely monitoring the progress, with monthly reviews on land acquisition and utility relocation. He assured that his Ministry will continue to monitor the project closely and seek regular updates from the Federal Works Ministry. 'Physical progress is visible in some sections, but it will take another three to six months before we can see more substantial progress,' he said during the Incentive Award Presentation Ceremony for Outstanding SPM Students in Putatan, Friday. The WP-35 package recently became the focus of a viral post alleging internal problems within the contractor, including a breakdown in partnership and questions over its ability to complete the work. Federal Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who was also named in the allegations, denied any wrongdoing and has since lodged a police report. Meanwhile, Shahelmey said roads in Beaufort and Sipitang that are frequently flooded are being reviewed for potential upgrades, including those near schools. He said district engineers have been instructed to assess these flood-prone stretches on a case-by-case basis and provide recommendations for immediate action to keep the roads safe and accessible. 'For roads that are completely cut off by flooding, district engineers and appointed contractors will carry out emergency works to restore access,' he said. Shahelmey also noted that parts of the Beaufort-Sipitang road, which often faces severe flooding, are within the Pan Borneo Highway construction area. He said his Ministry will investigate the causes of flooding in these sections and consider long-term solutions. 'For sections not covered under the Pan Borneo project, we will evaluate whether upgrades or other repairs are needed to address the flooding issue,' he added. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
