THE State Works and Utility Ministry is moving on two fronts to ease traffic congestion in Papar with two major road projects in the pipeline, though construction is not expected to begin until 2027 at the earliest.
“A detailed design for the Pengalat-Papar Bypass is underway and a second bridge for the area has been approved,” Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, said in his Ministry’s winding-up speech.
“The design study is expected to be completed in January 2027, after which procurement and implementation can begin,” he said, responding to Pantai Manis.
The bypass will cut a new 4.96km road from the Jalan Pengalat Lok Kawi-Jalan Melugus-Jalan Kampung Sungai Padang junction all the way to Jalan SMK Majakir, with a new bridge thrown over Sungai Papar.
“The JKR Malaysia is currently finalising the design, factoring in ground conditions and current site requirements,” Dr Joachim said.
A second project, the Buang Sayang Papar 2 Bridge at KM20.4, has cleared approval under the 13th Malaysia Plan, funded by the State Government.
“When built, it will open a new route linking Plaza 22 and Kampung Sapat to Kampung Surati. For now, it is still at the planning stage,” he added.
Meanwhile, a bridge closer to completion has hit delays. Responding to Bongawan, Dr Joachim said the Sg Linggan 2 bridge upgrade at Papar started on March 10, 2025, but utility conflicts pushed back the schedule.
“Those issues have since been cleared and the new completion date is May 5, 2027. The Bukit Manggis Papar road upgrade is further along, 67.32 per cent done as of March, with a second time extension running to June 2027,” he said.
Not every road story in Sabah is about delays. Some are about closure.
Jalan Lintas Libaran is still shut. Dr Joachim said the road had been out of action because a bridge at KM 2.0 is sinking, a settlement that makes the crossing unsafe for vehicles and those using the river below.
JKR has already opened the bridge structure and beams to protect river users. Now comes the harder work.
“JKR will begin soil investigation, survey and new bridge design this year, with construction expected to start in mid-2027,” Dr Joachim said in response to Sungai Manila.
On the Pan Borneo Highway, the biggest road project in Sabah’s history, Dr Joachim gave Tanjong Keramat an update that offers some encouragement.
“Phase 1 WP06 remains on track for full completion on May 2, 2028. The Defects Liability Period will then run until May 2, 2030,” he said.
Waiting for the finish line has not stopped the government from opening what is ready. Dr Joachim said two sections have been unlocked via Certificates of Partial Occupation (CPO) No. 1 covering Jalan NC Mogunting in Penampang and CPO No. 2 covering Jalan Kolopis Tindai-Kawakaan to Jalan Kawakaan and Jalan Kionsom.
“We will continue to monitor the remaining works to ensure the entire project is completed on schedule and meets the quality standards set for the benefit of the people,” he said.
For those near Pekan Mesapol asking about the highway’s limited-access design, Dr Joachim told Sindumin that U-turns are placed 1.8km away towards Kota Kinabalu and 3.6km towards Sindumin, both within Road Technical Instruction standards.
Near SK Melalia, engineers looked at putting up a pedestrian bridge, but found no room for it safely. Instead, a P-turn 500 metres from the school and a bus stop with a lay-by have been built.
“The government will keep watching to see if more is needed,” Dr Joachim said.
