Driving from Miri to Sabah without passing through Brunei will soon be possible. The first phase of the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR), spanning 76 kilometers, has reached 49.98% completion and is expected to be fully completed by November 20, 2026.
This project will create a direct land connection from Lawas to Limbang and Mulu, eliminating the need for detours through Brunei. It is designed to save time, reduce travel costs, and remove the need for border crossing procedures.
The SSLR includes the construction of new roads and upgrades to existing ones. Its objective is to improve connectivity in the northern interior of Sarawak, reduce reliance on foreign routes, and support regional economic growth, tourism, and logistics.
Officials from the public works department recently visited the site to assess construction progress and review future development plans.
Update!
However, by November 2026, only Phase 1 will be completed. Phase 2 will still be under construction. So, people in Miri will need to wait until Phase 2 is completed — likely another three to five years.
The Sarawak–Sabah Link Road (SSLR) project aims to establish a direct land connection between Miri in Sarawak and Sabah, bypassing Brunei.
Phase 1: This phase covers approximately 77 kilometers from Kampung Gelugus in Lawas to Long Lopeng Junction. As of October 2024, it had reached 40% completion and is expected to be fully completed by November 2026.
Phase 2: Spanning about 322 kilometers, Phase 2 will connect Lawas to Limbang and Mulu, also bypassing Brunei. The project has received approval, with land acquisition and site clearing currently underway. Construction began at the end of 2024, with an estimated completion time of three to five years.
Upon completion of both phases, travelers will be able to drive from Miri to Sabah without passing through Brunei, enhancing regional connectivity and reducing travel time and border formalities.
