PAC to probe Sabah Pan Borneo Highway delays despite RM10.5b spent

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 — Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan confirmed there are no payment delays affecting the Pan Borneo Highway project that could impact construction, during a statement in the Dewan Rakyat. He stated that payments for Phases 1A and 1B are progressing in line with physical advancements, with disbursements matching or surpassing scheduled levels.

According to Ahmad, Phase 1A, made up of 15 work packages, had reached 89.54 percent physical completion against the planned 96.23 percent, while financial disbursements stood at 88.78 percent. For the recently started Phase 1B, physical progress stood at 25.53 percent, ahead of the scheduled 24.76 percent. Financial disbursements for this phase have reached 22.11 percent, surpassing the planned 20.73 percent.

Consequently, Ahmad affirmed there are no issues with payments, dismissing concerns about delays due to late payments or the appointment of underqualified contractors. He acknowledged that contractor performance remains a matter requiring attention to ensure the project stays on track. To address this, the Works Ministry has intensified monitoring through monthly meetings to assess construction progress and resolve emergent issues.

These meetings, chaired by the Sabah State Secretary and the ministry’s Secretary-General, are part of efforts to implement the project effectively. The ministry has also implemented additional measures to prevent further delays, such as strengthening steering committees and special task forces to evaluate contractor performance, identify delay causes, and devise solutions. These steps are aimed at ensuring the Pan Borneo Highway project is completed on schedule.