The placement of U-turns along the Pan Borneo Highway (LPB) in Sabah is carefully planned based on road design and safety considerations, and not decided arbitrarily, according to Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
Addressing concerns over the long distances between some U-turns, Nanta stressed that every U-turn, also known as a P-turn, undergoes a detailed assessment before its location is approved. He said factors such as road geometry, safety requirements and appropriate spacing are thoroughly studied to ensure motorists can travel safely and comfortably. Large-scale highway projects often involve strict engineering standards, making safety one of the highest priorities throughout the planning process.
Speaking to reporters after officiating a collaboration programme involving the Ministry of Works (KKR), the Public Works Department (JKR) Malaysia, JKR Sabah and JKR Sarawak on Sunday, Nanta dismissed suggestions that U-turns were placed without proper planning.
“These U-turns are not built wherever we want. Every location is determined after comprehensive studies, taking into account the road’s geometry, safety aspects and the appropriate distance between turning points. The objective is to ensure road users enjoy both safety and convenience,” he said.
During the event, Nanta also highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration between the ministry and the various Public Works Departments to improve the implementation of infrastructure projects across the country.
He said the partnership provides a platform for agencies to discuss issues, exchange ideas and work together to resolve challenges faced during project implementation. Effective coordination between government agencies is essential, particularly as major infrastructure developments continue to expand across Sabah and Sarawak.
According to Nanta, previous coordination issues had contributed to delays in several projects, making closer cooperation increasingly important.
“We have already seen improvements since the first collaboration programme held last year. However, we are not satisfied with stopping there. We want to strengthen this initiative further by identifying more areas where improvements can be made. That is the purpose of this programme,” he explained.
The collaboration programme marks its second edition after the inaugural event was held in Kuching, Sarawak, in 2025. The next series is scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur next year.
Nanta expressed hope that continued cooperation between the agencies would enable them to resolve issues more efficiently while ensuring infrastructure projects, including the Pan Borneo Highway, are completed within the targeted timeframe.
