Labuan-Sabah Bridge: Federal Govt Commits To Study; Completion Expected In November 2026

LABUAN, Sept 29 (Bernama) – The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to realising the people’s long-held aspiration of seeing the proposed bridge linking Labuan to mainland Sabah materialise.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said a technical study contract for the project was awarded in May this year and is expected to be completed by November next year.

“The government is committed to looking at the potential of the proposed bridge to connect the island to mainland Sabah. 

“To ensure that commitment is realised, we have awarded a contract for a study, which we expect must be completed on schedule,” he told reporters after officiating the 35th anniversary celebration of the Labuan International Business and Financial Centre (Labuan IBFC) at the Labuan International School auditorium today.

He said the study would involve detailed mapping and an assessment of the economic spillover and long-term benefits of the bridge. 

“The bridge is the best way to induce increased growth, and the government has honoured its promise to move this forward,” he also said.

Amir Hamzah added that enhanced connectivity aligns with the region’s development needs and the government would ensure necessary measures are taken to support Labuan’s future growth.

Earlier, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the study would be undertaken by a special task force under her department and would examine various aspects, including feasibility, engineering, environmental and financial implications.

She said her department has received ‘an initial budget’ of RM500,000 for the exercise.

The proposed bridge, expected to stretch 17.5 kilometres, aims to ease travel between Labuan and Sabah, currently served only by ferries, and is projected to foster greater economic and social integration in the region.

Dr Zaliha said the construction of the proposed bridge could be seen as a ‘game-changer’ that would boost the island's economy by improving connectivity and fostering growth.