The construction of the Federal Route 22 began in 1968 as a joint project between the Malaysian federal government with the government of
Australia, known as the "Malaysian-Australian Road Project" (MARP). It was one of the two projects being jointly carried out with the Australian government, together with the
Pergau Dam project in Kelantan, with the total cost of
RM25 million for both projects. The construction was done in two phases - the construction of the first phase from Sandakan to Telupid began in 1968 and completed in 1971, while the second phase from Telupid to Ranau was constructed in 1971 and completed in 1972. Both sections were paved in 1973 and were completed in 1978. Meanwhile, the final section of the FT22 highway from Ranau to Tamparuli was constructed right after the Sandakan-Ranau section was opened to motorists. The Tamparuli-Ranau section was completed in 1982. The highway was coded as A4 according to the old numbering scheme, == Junction lists ==