Ba Kelalan rep urges strict monitoring of SSLR project to ensure road users’ safety

MIRI (Nov 16): Stringent monitoring and auditing must be conducted for the ongoing Sabah-Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) project, said Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian.

In making this call to the relevant authorities, he said this is crucial to ensure that the appointed contractors strictly adhere to the construction standards as well as to safeguard the safety of road users.

“This will be the first road into the interior for many villagers who have been waiting for so long, and it is crucial that it is built to last,” he said of the road construction project that will also link Lawas to Ba Kelalan.

“We must avoid the kind of road collapses we have seen periodically in Sarawak, with the most recent one being the collapse in Kapit, just three months ago.

Baru highlighted this during the Supply (2025) Bill 2024 debate at the august House on Wednesday.

“With tenders already issued and contractors selected for Phase 2 of the SSLR, strict oversight will be even more essential, given that the terrain becomes more challenging, with hilly and steep sections,” he pointed out.

In this regard, he said contractors must ensure that solid foundations and reinforcements are in place, and any compromise in materials, processes, or construction standards must be swiftly addressed and penalised.

“I urge all parties involved to ensure the construction of solid, safe roads for the people of northern Sarawak,” he said.

On a related note, Baru called on all communities within the project areas to cooperate with the authorities and the appointed contractors, and not obstruct the construction.

He advised that any claims or disputes that could not be mutually resolved should be brought before the court for adjudication.

“This project will bring significant benefits to the community as a whole, and individuals who have any complaints should approach the authorities for discussion and resolution. I will be happy to assist in any way I can,” he said.

In the parliament sitting on Nov 4, deputy minister of Works Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said that the works on Phase 1 of the SSLR covering the stretch from Kampung Gelugus in Lawas to Long Lopeng Junction has reached 40 per cent as of Oct, 2024.

He also revealed that the Phase 1 should reach completion by 2026, with the letter of acceptance for Phase 2 of the SSLR project approved in March this year.

The second phase of the SSLR project will involve four packages covering a total of 322km, crossing three parliamentary constituents in the northern region namely Lawas, Limbang and Baram.