LAWAS – The construction of Sarawak’s first tunnel, located at Bukit Pagon in Lawas, is moving forward as part of the Sarawak–Sabah Link Road (SSLR) Phase 2.
The project, overseen by the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR), represents a landmark in East Malaysia’s infrastructure development.
The tunnel forms a key component of Package 4 within SSLR Phase 2, which spans 335.54 kilometres across northern Sarawak.
Current reports indicate physical progress of 11.39 per cent, reflecting steady advancement despite the scale and complexity of the undertaking.
SSLR Phase 2 was officially launched in September 2025, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg present at the ceremony.
The RM7.6 billion project, fully funded by the federal government, is designed to provide a direct land route between Sarawak and Sabah without requiring travel through Brunei. This alternative corridor is expected to ease logistical challenges and strengthen regional integration.
Works Minister Dato Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi emphasised that the SSLR will deliver safer and more reliable connectivity for rural communities, many of whom have long relied on logging roads.
He noted that the project is not only about mobility but also about creating new economic opportunities in agro-based industries and eco-tourism.
The tunnel at Bukit Pagon is particularly significant, as it marks the first of its kind in Sarawak. Its construction is expected to improve access to the northern hinterland, opening up isolated areas and fostering inclusive growth.
The SSLR route will eventually link Lawas to Limbang and extend further to Mulu, creating a continuous travel corridor deep within Borneo’s interior.
Officials have stressed that the success of SSLR Phase 2 depends on cooperation between contractors, government agencies, and local communities.
JKR Sarawak has been tasked with monitoring progress to ensure adherence to scope, cost, and timelines. The ministry has also urged contractors to complete works ahead of schedule rather than relying on extensions, reflecting a broader push for efficiency in national infrastructure projects.
Beyond transport, the SSLR is viewed as a catalyst for socioeconomic transformation. Improved connectivity is expected to narrow the development gap between coastal cities and inland settlements, while also strengthening national unity.
By reducing travel times and enhancing safety, the project is set to redefine accessibility in East Malaysia. The Bukit Pagon tunnel, though still in its early stages, symbolises Sarawak’s commitment to modernising its transport network.
Once completed, it will stand as a milestone in the state’s infrastructure history, supporting both local mobility and broader economic ambitions.
