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THE Sabah Public Works Department (JKR) has taken swift action to address the deteriorating condition of roads in Kinabatangan, following heightened public concern over the safety and usability of key thoroughfares in the district.
Datuk Ir Philemon Lajawai, Director of JKR Sabah, acknowledged the widespread complaints from local residents, emphasising the department’s commitment to providing safe and reliable road networks, particularly in rural areas and on major routes that serve as vital lifelines for daily travel.
“JKR Sabah regards the issue circulating regarding the Kinabatangan route and road user safety very seriously.
“Accordingly, several measures have been and are being implemented along the Sandakan to Kinabatangan road. Temporary repairs using ‘heavy patching’ have been carried out to cover potholes and severe road damage,” he said in a statement on Friday.
Philemon explained that the emergency repair works are being undertaken by contractors appointed under the Pan Borneo Highway Project (LPB) Packages WP25 and WP26, serving as immediate interventions to reduce the risk of accidents.
“So far, repair works from the Sukau roundabout to Kampung Jaya Baru have been completed, while works at additional locations are currently in progress,” he added.
Looking ahead, he confirmed that the route will undergo a full upgrade through the construction of a new road under the Pan Borneo Highway Project, a move designed to provide a permanent and sustainable solution to recurring road damage.
The poor condition of Kinabatangan roads drew widespread attention after Sinar Harian published a two-page feature on Thursday titled ‘Road to the Moon, Potholes as Big as Wells,’ highlighting deeply pitted and crumbling road surfaces that pose serious hazards to daily commuters.
The report sparked strong reactions on social media, with residents and road users urging immediate intervention to ensure safety and accessibility along this crucial transport artery.
The department’s swift response signals a commitment to balancing emergency fixes with long-term infrastructure improvements, aiming to restore public confidence in Sabah’s transport networks. - January 16, 2026