PAPAR: Traffic congestion along the Sabindo–Kinarut route is set to be resolved with the implementation of the Lok Kawi Road Upgrading Project, stretching from the Sabindo roundabout to SMK Kinarut, which has now commenced.
Papar Member of Parliament Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the high-impact project is one of the government’s key initiatives to address the long-standing congestion affecting road users in the area.
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“This Federal-funded project will be carried out over two years, from March 30, 2026, to March 29, 2028, with the Letter of Acceptance (SST) officially handed over to the contractor here on Monday.
“The project is crucial to increasing road capacity and improving traffic flow along the Sabindo–Kinarut route, which frequently experiences congestion, especially during peak hours,” he said.
Armizan, who is also the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, said this at a press conference on the status of major infrastructure projects in the Papar parliamentary constituency on Monday (May 4).
He also witnessed the handover of the SST from Federal Works Ministry Deputy Director-General (Infrastructure Sector) Ir. Shahrom Ahmad Saman to the appointed contractor, represented by its project director Khamis Jaafar.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Rural Development and Limbahau Assemblyman Datuk Juil Nuatim, Yayasan Sabah Director and Kawang Assemblyman Datuk Seri Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar, and Papar District Officer Muhammad Mohd Ali.
Armizan said the project involves upgrading the existing single-carriageway road into a dual carriageway (four-lane) to ensure smoother traffic flow.
The scope also includes the construction of a pedestrian overpass, installation of street lighting and traffic signals, and the upgrading of three roundabouts into signalised intersections.
“The project, funded by the Ministry of Works Malaysia and implemented under the supervision of the Public Works Department (JKR) Sabah, will also include three bus stops, two motorcycle lay-bys, and covered walkways to schools to enhance safety and user comfort,” he said.
He stressed the importance of close cooperation among all state and federal agencies to ensure smooth implementation without delays.
Among key issues to be expedited are land acquisition involving 43 lots with 24 existing structures, as well as the relocation of utilities such as electricity, water, and telecommunications.
“I do not want delays in resolving these matters, as they could hinder the start of physical works. I have been involved in efforts to secure funding for this project since 2021, when I served in the Sabah Chief Minister’s Office.
“With the support of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, the project was included in the Federal Government’s development list in 2023 before Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced its implementation on May 31, 2023, during his visit to Kinarut, Papar,” he said.
In addition to the Lok Kawi Road upgrading, Armizan said three other infrastructure projects are being prioritised to boost development in Papar.
“These include the Pengalat–Papar Bypass Road Project, currently in the tender preparation stage, which will serve as an alternative route to reduce congestion,” he said.
He added that the construction of SMK Gana, Papar, is also in the tender stage to meet growing educational needs, particularly for students in the Limbahau constituency.
Meanwhile, the proposed construction of Papar Bridge 2 at KM20.4 remains at the planning stage but is seen as a key component in long-term efforts to improve the district’s road network.
“All these projects complement one another in addressing congestion and driving overall development in Papar,” he said.
