The Sabah Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) is a landmark infrastructure project designed to create a direct road network between the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo.
This project aims to provide a continuous land route, eliminating the need for travelers to pass through the international border of Brunei, which has historically been a significant logistical challenge. The SSLR is a crucial component of Malaysia’s broader infrastructure development plans for the region.
SSLR purpose
The primary purpose of the SSLR is to improve connectivity and facilitate smoother travel between Sabah and Sarawak.
By bypassing Brunei, the road will eliminate the inconvenience of multiple border checkpoints and potential delays.
The project is also expected to enhance socioeconomic growth by providing better access to interior areas, connecting remote communities, and boosting tourism and economic activities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the closure of Brunei’s borders highlighted the critical need for this link, as it isolated northern Sarawak from the rest of the state.
Sabah Sarawak Link Road Cost
The SSLR project is being implemented in phases with a significant financial commitment from the federal government.
The project is devided into two major phases as listed below.
- Phase 1 has an estimated cost of approximately RM1 billion.
- Phase 2 is a larger undertaking with a budget of about RM7.4 billion.
Linked towns and cities
The Sabah Sarawak Link Road will connect several key towns and cities across the two states. The route is planned to link areas such as Miri, Limbang, and Lawas in Sarawak with various locations in Sabah.
Specifically, the road will connect Lawas to Kampung Pa’ Berunut and Long Lopeng in Phase 1.
Phase 2 will further extend the network to connect Kampung Pa’ Berunut to Long Lama and other interior towns like Mulu and Long Seridan.
Construction Start and Construction Completion
The project is being carried out in two major stages.
Phase 1 construction began on August 9, 2021. It is currently ahead of schedule, with an estimated completion date in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Phase 2 construction works have already commenced with site clearing and are projected to take at least five years to complete. The expected completion date for this phase is the third quarter of 2029.
Conclusion
The Sabah Sarawak Link Road (SSLR) offers substantial benefits by improving connectivity and fostering economic growth across East Malaysia.
This new road network will significantly improve travel time and safety for residents, linking previously isolated rural communities to major towns and cities.
By providing better access to essential services like healthcare and education, and a more comfortable travel experience, the SSLR will directly enhance the quality of life for the people of Sabah and Sarawak.
In addition to its social and logistical benefits, the SSLR is a key economic driver for the region.
The project is expected to stimulate trade and tourism, opening up new opportunities for businesses and local communities. It has created jobs during the construction phase and will continue to support economic activity by reducing transportation costs and encouraging the development of new industries.
The improved infrastructure will facilitate the smoother movement of goods and people, ultimately boosting productivity and creating a more integrated and prosperous regional economy for East Malaysia.
Sources: The Star, BERNAMA1, BERNAMA2
