Berungis–Tuaran Town Road Upgrading Project in Progress

25 August 2025

TUARAN: The upgrading project for the Berungis–Tuaran Town Road is not abandoned as alleged, but is in fact progressing in accordance with procedures, despite some technical and administrative constraints which have caused delays.

Pantai Dalit State Assemblyman, Datuk Jasnih Haji Daya, said as the elected representative for the Tuaran constituency, he fully understands the frustration of residents who have long endured traffic congestion along the route, particularly as it involves the Pantai Dalit state constituency which he represents.

“I personally drove along this road last weekend to check on its progress. It was clear that works have already begun and are not stalled. Anyone from Tuaran who regularly uses this road would notice that the upgrading works are ongoing, unless, of course, they were distracted while driving,” he remarked.

He was responding to criticism by Pantai Dalit Democratic People’s Welfare Party (KDM) Chief Coordinator, Jaesman Gipin, who had voiced concern over the plight of the thousands of road users affected.

Jasnih also expressed his gratitude to Jaesman for giving him the opportunity to clarify the true status of the project to the public.

According to him, the project to upgrade Berungis Road (Route 503) from KM0.2 to KM2.9, spanning 2.7 kilometres, is part of the Second Rolling Plan under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12), approved by the Federal Government.

“The project involves upgrading the existing two-lane road into a dual carriageway with four lanes, the construction of a U-turn flyover, as well as a new bridge to replace the old culvert which is no longer suitable for the increasing traffic volume.

“It is being carried out using the design-and-build method, with the Public Works Department (JKR) as the lead implementing agency, and the Sabah JKR acting as the project’s Supervising Officer,” he explained.

Jasnih said the Letter of Acceptance for the project was issued in March 2024, while the detailed design works were fully completed by December of the same year. The project officially commenced on 12 March 2024, with the original schedule set for completion within 36 months.

“However, due to several constraints, the project was granted an extension of time (EOT No.1) and is now expected to be fully completed by 31 March 2028,” he added.

He explained that among the causes of delay was the lengthy land acquisition process.

“The land acquisition plan was submitted to the Sabah Lands and Surveys Department on 30 September 2024, while the draft gazette declaration was forwarded to the State Attorney-General’s Chambers on 9 October 2024 for further action.

“In addition, technical issues concerning the relocation of utilities such as electricity poles, cables and water pipes have also affected the smooth progress of physical works on site,” he said.

Nevertheless, he emphasised that although the procedures are rather complex and involve many technical agencies, the project is continuing and is not abandoned as some have feared.

“We will continue to closely monitor the project’s progress because we, too, want to drive on this road with ease and peace of mind. And let no one say that we have neglected Tuaran,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to resolving the congestion issue.

He reminded the people of Tuaran that traffic congestion along the route was one of the first matters discussed and pursued with Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, after the formation of the new government.

“In fact, back in 2022, I announced that this problem would soon be resolved after the Chief Minister informed me that the road project had been approved. At that time, my joy was overwhelming, and I could not wait to share the news with the people of Tuaran, even though there were still several procedures to be completed before the works could actually begin,” he said.

Jasnih said he remains optimistic about the project’s implementation and urged the public to be patient, as the road upgrading works are being carried out for the long-term benefit of Tuaran residents.