The eight packages are part of the 11 packages regarding the alignment of the highway in Sarawak, currently being implemented in various divisions in the state.

The eight packages are the Sematan-Sungai Moyan Bridge (95km); Pantu Interchange-Batang Skrang (89km); Batang Skrang-Sungai Awik Bridge (68km); Sungai Awik Bridge-Bintangor Interchange(64km).

Sungai Kua Bridge-Sungai Arip Bridge( 64km); Sungai Arip Bridge-Bintulu Interchange (65km); Bakun Interchange-Sungai Tangap (77 km); Sungai Tangap Interchange-Pujut Link Road (80km).

The packages are part of the overall 1,089km of the Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak.

In his speech, Najib said they formed the first phase of the implementation of the Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak involving a total cost of RM16.5 billion and was expected to be completed in five years (in 2021).

He said the second phase would focus on ensuring that the journey from Sematan to Sabah was smooth and without any red tape.

Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem, who also spoke at the launch, expressed his thanks to the federal government for keeping its promise to build the Pan Borneo Highway.

“We have been waiting for this highway for a long time and have been very patient, we say thank you,” he said.