A Sabah assemblyperson has mocked Prime Minister Najib Razak's claim the Pan Borneo Highway would be a "world class highway", claiming the states roads do not even match West Malaysian standards.
“Sabah roads are not even on par with Peninsular standards, why should we talk about world class standard?” said DAP Sri Tanjong assemblyperson Chan Foong Hin in a statement today.
He was referring to Najib's announcement yesterday while launching the project in Sindumin during the prime minister's visit to Sabah.
Chan said Sabah's road quality is substandard compared to those in the Peninsular, judging from the weight that the roads could take.
"For example, the gross vehicle weight (BDM) allowed in Sabah is very different from the Peninsular.
"The maximum BDM allowed in the Peninsular is 53,000 kilogrammes, whereas for Sabah it is restricted to 38,000 kilogrammes, irrespective of the number of axle configurations.
“Why is the BDM different between Sabah and the Peninsular? Simply because the carrying capacity of the bridges and roads here are lower than the Peninsular, which indicates the road and bridge quality here is not as good as there,” he said.
Chan, who is DAP Sabah secretary, said the substandard road quality in Sabah is disadvantageous in terms of lesser payload, higher unit costs, higher operating costs and other aspects.
“In a nutshell, it’s not enough for Sabah just to get a toll-free Pan Borneo Highway at an overall cost RM16 billion in next five years.
“Instead, a comprehensive package to upgrade all the existing 62 bridges of the federal roads in Sabah, 1,501km federal roads, and 10,747km state roads, is really in need,” said Chan.
He accused the prime minister of wooing voters using promises of the new highway, following speculation that the 14th general election is looming and rumours of snap polls in the Borneo state.
“It’s the obligation of the federal government to develop Sabah; please don’t capitalise on the Pan Borneo Highway ground-breaking ceremony to fish votes in Sabah.
“We deserve to enjoy a highway of good quality that is on par with the Peninsula, as Sabah is an equal partner in the formation of Malaysia.” Chan said.
Najib: Will give more
Bernama yesterday reported Najib giving his assurance the toll-free Pan Borneo Highway network in Sabah will be on par with those in developed nations when completed.
He said the Public Works Department, which had a high standard, would ensure this.
"This is not a timber or kampung road. This is a world class highway. This is my commitment as prime minister," he said in his speech when launching the Sabah Pan Borneo project in Sindumin.
Also present were Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman, Deputy Chief Minister Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who is also State Infrastructural Development Minister; Work Minister Fadillah Yusuf and his deputy Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin.
Najib was also determined to ensure that the Pan Borneo Highway project in Sabah would be an overview of history as it would change the landscape of development and communication network throughout the state.
"Sabah will get a complete toll-free highway network at an overall cost of more than RM16 billion in five years. This is the contribution of the federal government.
"I want to say this is not over yet. If the financial situation permits, we will give more allocations for highway development for Sabah.
"We want Sabah to change because the state has a high potential," he said.
'Former PM' blamed
Najib also rapped a former prime minister who led the country for 22 years but only built highways in peninsular Malaysia.
"The people of Sabah also want to enjoy highways. Right? Surely, it is not only for the people of the peninsula.
"And, the reality is, today is a historical occasion for Sabah because the first kilometre of the Pan Borneo Highway for this state starts from Sindumin," he said.
At the same time, Najib also said the Pan Borneo Highway project could create 400,000 jobs for the people in Sabah and Sarawak as well as business opportunities for local contractors.
"I will also ensure only local contractors will work on the Pan Borneo Highway project. Despite the joint venture with foreign contractors, the main jobs must be given to locals," he said.
During the ceremony, Najib launched the ground-breaking ceremony for a project to upgrade the 28.4 km Sindumin-Kampung Melalia Road, Sipitang at a cost of RM600 million.
The project involved upgrading the existing two-lane road to four-lane and would entail building two tiered interchanges and three bridges.
It was part of the first phase of the 706 km Pan Borneo mega project starting from Sindumin to Kudat on the west coast and from Ranau to Sandakan, Lahad Datu and Tawau on the east coast.
The highway would ease access to the oil and gas economic corridor area between Sipitang and Kimanis.
Najib also launched the Pan Borneo Highway projects in Kampung Andus, Papar for Papar-Donggongon Road; Tawau-Semporna Road (5km); and Lahad Datu Bypass (7km) last year.- Mkini
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