Miri: Physical construction of the Miri Section of the Trans Borneo Highway (LTB) project is expected to begin in the first quarter of next year, the Dewan Negara was told today. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi revealed that the 4.951-kilometre stretch, previously known as Miri Work Package 12 under Phase 2 of the Pan Borneo Highway (LPB2), is currently in the pre-construction phase.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the LPB2 project is now rebranded as the LTB and the Northern Coastal Highway (NCH) projects. The LTB project, which is a federal government initiative, is currently undergoing the procurement tender process. Nanta stated that the physical construction of the Miri Section is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026. This announcement was made in response to Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim's query regarding the progress of LPB2 in Sarawak and measures in place to prevent delays related to contractor issues or the need for additional allocations.
Nanta further explained that Work Package 13 (Limbang) and Work Package 14 (Lawas) are new alignments forming part of the NCH project, implemented by the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) under the supervision of the Sarawak government. Meanwhile, the Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak, covering 786km, had achieved 99.98 per cent overall progress as of October, with 10 out of the 11 work packages fully completed and opened in stages for public use.
He highlighted that the WPC 11 package cannot be completed in 2025 as originally scheduled due to a critical need to replace existing water pipes belonging to Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd before upgrading works along the 4.2km stretch can proceed. This replacement is necessary to prevent water supply disruptions in Miri and avoid future road damage.
Nanta also mentioned that the Works Ministry (KKR), Sarawak Public Works Department, contractors, and relevant stakeholders are renegotiating the cost and scope of works, with pipe diversion and road upgrading to be carried out in phases from the first quarter of 2026. Completion is targeted for the first quarter of 2029.
He concluded by stating that the completion of WPC 11 will mark the full completion of the Pan Borneo Highway Sarawak project, which serves as a vital infrastructure link for the state. KKR continues regular monitoring to ensure project implementation adheres to approved scope and specifications, avoiding delays due to contractor issues or additional financial requirements.