Kota Kinabalu: Preliminary works on the three Phase 1B project packages of the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway are being carried out including site clearance as well as the submission of notices to the owners of premises or land involved. Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said the three packages involved were WP35, WP34, and WP33 parcels, which include the construction of a 70.2-kilometre road in the east coast area.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the progress of the works is evident in these three construction packages, with more than 150 notices being issued to owners of premises or land involved. Shahelmey advised the recipients of these notices to stay calm and seek clarification from the Land and Survey Department and the Public Works Department (PWD) if needed.

The WP33 package covers the stretch from Kampung Lumou Baru to Kampung Toupos (19.5 kilometres), WP34 extends from Kampung Toupos to Kampung Nabutan (24.2 kilometres), and WP35 from Kampung Nabutan to Ranau (26.5 kilometres). Shahelmey, who also serves as the Sabah Works Minister, emphasized the importance of addressing any issues that could delay the project, urging PWD and contractors to ensure timely maintenance on existing roads to avoid safety risks.

He reminded contractors that despite the ongoing construction of the Pan Borneo Highway, existing road conditions should not be neglected, and immediate action should be taken to address potholes or uneven surfaces. The Pan Borneo Highway Project Phase 1 is divided into Phase 1A, expected to be completed in 2026, and Phase 1B in 2028, with the entire Phase 1 involving 35 packages for the construction of 706 kilometres of roads.