Sabah: The Sabah state government has drawn up and implemented various short- and long-term measures to address traffic congestion in Ranau town and Kundasang, the State Legislative Assembly was told today. Deputy Chief Minister I and state Minister of Works and Utilities Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said these measures include the construction of alternative routes, the provision of overtaking lanes, and the implementation of strategic projects under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, short-term measures include the 6 km Kampung Mohimboyon-Lipantai-Pahu Road Upgrading Project, which is now 69.69 percent complete and expected to be finished by next year. "Once completed, this project is expected to reduce motorists' reliance on the main route, thereby helping to distribute traffic flow between Kundasang town and Ranau town," he said.
Dr Joachim was responding to a verbal question from Datuk Rusdin @ Musidi Riman (Paginatan) regarding the government's efforts to overcome the serious congestion in the area during weekends, school holidays and festive seasons. He informed the assembly that another alternative route currently under construction is the 4.05 km Tambiau-Sarapong Road Upgrading Project, currently at 5.42 percent completion, with a target finish date of next year.
In addition, he said, the Sabah Public Works Department has submitted 10 proposals for the construction of overtaking lanes and climbing lanes to smooth traffic flow and reduce accident risks on hilly stretches. He mentioned that RM2.3 million has been allocated in 2025 for the implementation of related projects at three locations along the Kota Kinabalu-Sandakan road, while RM560,000 has been allocated in 2026 for an additional location on the same road.
On long-term measures, Dr Joachim stated that the government has approved the detailed study and design for the construction of the Ranau Bypass, a 30 km road from Bundu Tuhan to Kilimu, which will also include three bridges. This new bypass, he noted, will allow motorists heading to Sandakan to travel straight through the area without having to pass through Kundasang and Ranau towns, thereby significantly reducing congestion.
Dr Joachim added that the government has also approved the upgrading of the 8 km Kampung Mesilau-Kampung Lipasu Road from gravel to paved surface, under the 13th Malaysia Plan, for RM138.661 million. "The project is currently in the phase of appointing a consulting engineer to prepare the detailed design, before proceeding to the construction stage," he said. He stressed that the implementation of these projects will complete the road network in the area, thereby shortening travel time and enhancing safety for road users.