by David E.
PAPAR: July 28, 2026 – Traffic congestion along the Lok Kawi-Pengalat-Papar corridor is set to be eased through a RM70.6 million road upgrade project, the Chief Minister has said.
The 1.3-kilometre project will upgrade the road from two lanes to four lanes, with two-way traffic, to facilitate the daily movement of thousands of road users. Priority has been given to user safety, particularly for schoolchildren and pedestrians.
Facilities to be provided include a pedestrian, covered walkways to schools, bus stops and motorcycle shelters – all aimed at making the journey to school safer.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the development proved that the government was listening to public complaints about congestion, especially during peak hours.
“As a government, we are always striving to plan and implement development that brings benefits and improves the well-being of the people,” he said in a speech at the ground-breaking ceremony for the Lok Kawi Road upgrade project, from the Sabindo Roundabout to SMK Kinarut, held at the WSG Kinarut Show Gallery today.
He stressed that the project’s approval showed that the voices of Sabahans regarding mobility needs were being taken seriously.
It was also in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development direction to stimulate investment and tourism, while reducing travel time.
Once the Pan Borneo Highway is fully completed, Papar has the potential to become a major stopover for visitors from Brunei and Sarawak, he added.
Hajiji gave his assurance that the state government would ensure land acquisition and utility relocation processes ran smoothly through close cooperation between federal and state agencies.
At the same event, he also announced the approval of the Second Papar Bridge Project and flood mitigation works – which had been requested by Papar MP Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali – as additional benefits for the local community.
