RM70.6 million Upgrading Roads at Lok Kawi-Kinarut Road

The Government is undertaking the RM70.6 million 1.3-kilometre upgrading project for the Lok Kawi Road from the Sabindo Roundabout to SMK Kinarut which involves expanding the existing two-lane road into a dual two-carriageway, four-lane road. The project will ease traffic congestion and enhance road safety along the rapidly developing Lok Kawi-Pengalat-Papar corridor.

The State Government is committed to complete the project on time and it is handling land acquisition, and utility relocation matters urgently. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the Lok Kawi-Pengalat-Papar corridor is one of the State's fastest growing areas, with booming residential developments, government premises, schools and tourism sites. Papar has transformed from an agricultural district, and it has seen the development of many infrastructure and commercial projects.

Upgrading works include a pedestrian bridge, covered walkways to the school, bus stops and motorcycle shelters, which will benefit students, pedestrians and road users. Papar is a major stopover destination and it is a gateway to Kota Kinabalu City for visitors from Brunei and Sarawak and Labuan through the Pan Borneo Highway.” Hajiji said at the groundbreaking ceremony for the project on 28 July 2026, Kinarut.

The road project will reduce travelling time, improve connectivity and spur economic activities in Papar in line with the aspirations of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development roadmap, Hajiji added. The Chief Minister also announced the approval of the Papar Bridge Project 2 and emergency works to bolster rocks and earth along the banks of the Kogopon River intake, and other riverbank protection works.