Kuala Lumpur: Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau urged the Federal Government to address the worsening traffic congestion along the Tamparuli main route and consider upgrading the Tamparuli-Ranau road into a highway.
Raising the matter in the Dewan Rakyat, he sought a clarification from the Works Minister on measures to ease congestion between Pekan Nabalu and Pekan Tamparuli, as well as from the Berungis roundabout to Tamparuli town.
Madius also asked whether the Ministry had plans to upgrade the route, which has become increasingly busy with traffic to and from the interior.
In a written reply, the Works Ministry (KKR) said the stretch forms part of Federal Route 22, and acknowledged the congestion concerns.
“There has been no formal application from the Sabah Government under the 12th or 13th Malaysia Plan to upgrade the route.
“However, the proposal will be considered if submitted through the State Economic Planning Unit (Upen) and Sabah Public Works Department in the future,” said the Ministry.
The Ministry said its immediate focus remains on completing Phase 1A and 1B of the Pan Borneo Highway Sabah project, which are progressing on schedule.
Physical progress for Phase 1A stands at 85.25 per cent, while Phase 1B has reached 9.49 per cent, with the overall Phase 1 expected to be completed by late 2028.
Future development under Phase 2 will cover the Tamparuli-Ranau stretch (90km), while Phase 3 will involve the Tawau-Keningau-Kimanis route (430km), depending on Federal and State planning as well as financial capacity.
Between 2023 and 2024, a total of RM3.97 million was allocated for road maintenance works in Tuaran, all of which have been completed.
For 2025, the Ministry received applications amounting to RM21.7 million, with RM1.646 million approved for ongoing maintenance expected to be completed by November.
The Ministry also said preliminary work is underway to upgrade the Berungis-Serusup Road (R503) from two lanes to four, between the Marabahai Spur junction and Jalan Sulaman, costing RM81.18 million.
The project is currently at the tender documentation stage and scheduled for completion by May 8, 2026.
Meanwhile, slope repair works at KM55.30, Jalan Kota Kinabalu-Sandakan, in Tuaran, have also been approved, costing RM8.8 million.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensure sustainable and inclusive road infrastructure development across Sabah for the benefit of the people and smoother transportation.
