KOTA KINABALU: Bad road conditions in Sabah, especially in the east coast, will not be an issue once the Pan-Borneo Highway is completed, says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin

       The Deputy Chief Minister said Sabahans need to be patient for another 30 months as existing roads would no longer be used once the highway is completed.

       "I hope road users will be patient with the current road conditions," said Bung, who is state Works Minister.

       He agreed that many roads in the state have been in disrepair for a long time and need upgrading.

       "But it will cost a lot to upgrade these roads that will not be used once the Pan-Borneo Highway is completed," he said.

       "In two and a half years, we will enjoy a really comfortable road," he said during question time at the Sabah state assembly here.

       "The Batu 32 Telupid road's lifespan expired in 2018 and is obviously damaged.

       "Priority has been given for the packages 28, 29 and 30 of the Pan-Borneo Highway will see a new road (passing through the area)," he said, adding that upgrading the old road would cost millions of ringgit.

       He added that it would not be prudent to allocate RM200mil or RM300mil to repair roads that will be demolished when the highway is completed.

       However, Bung said efforts were being made to reduce the damage on current roads.