Deputy minister: No payment delays affecting Pan Borneo Highway project

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 — Deputy Works Minister Dr Ahmad Maslan confirmed there have been no payment delays affecting the Pan Borneo Highway project that could hinder construction progress. Payments for Phases 1A and 1B are progressing as scheduled, with disbursements keeping pace or exceeding planned levels. Phase 1A, accounting for 15 work packages, has achieved 89.54 per cent physical completion, with financial disbursements at 88.78 per cent.

Phase 1B, which has just begun, has reached 25.53 per cent physical completion, surpassing the targeted 24.76 per cent. Ahmad assured that there is no concern about payments, addressing questions raised by Datuk Wetrom Bahanda (KDM-Kota Marudu) regarding delays being caused by late contractor payments or the appointment of under-qualified contractors.

The Works Ministry remains vigilant about contractor performance, tightening monitoring through monthly meetings chaired by the Sabah State Secretary and the ministry’s Secretary-General. These proactive measures aim to ensure the project's timely completion.