Malaysia

Bung Moktar presses for answers on gas pipeline fund allocation

Sabah UMNO chief demands proof of fund redistribution after project cancellation

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 01 Mar 2025 1:05PM

Bung Moktar presses for answers on gas pipeline fund allocation
“What are the mechanisms and specific projects that have been implemented using these funds,” Bung asks. – March 1, 2025

DATUK SERI Bung Moktar Radin is demanding the government proves that funds from the scrapped RM4 billion Trans Sabah Gas Pipeline (TSGP) project were properly reallocated to strategic sectors in Sabah.

“I urge the government to provide clear and transparent proof that the TSGP funds have indeed been reallocated to the stated sectors.

“What are the mechanisms and specific projects that have been implemented using these funds? How much was actually allocated to each sector?” Bung said in a statement today.

His call comes after receiving the written reply from the Economic Ministry in Parliament.

On Wednesday, Bung sought from Minister Rafizi Ramli confirmation whether the federal government had officially cancelled the project.

The TSGP project was initially launched in 2016 under Barisan Nasional (BN) government where a 662km gas pipeline from Kimanis to Sandakan and Tawau was supposed to be constructed.

However, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government cancelled the project in 2018, citing that 88% of the funds had been disbursed despite only 13% of the work being completed.

It was later revived under Perikatan Nasional (PN) in 2021 before being scrapped again in 2025. This had sparked renewed concerns over its repeated cancellations and fund management.

In 2022, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s proposed to redirect the TSGP funds to the Southern Link project instead.

Sabah later obtained regulatory control over electricity supply on January 2024.

Bung said Sabahans have long been promised development but continue to face poor infrastructure and lack of basic facilities compared to other states.

“If the government is truly serious about developing Sabah, prove it with concrete actions, not just announcements without visible and tangible results for the people,” he said.

He urged the government to provide immediate answers on the status of the funds, warning against empty promises.

“Do not let the decision to cancel TSGP become yet another episode of injustice against Sabah, which continues to be sidelined in the country’s development,” Bung said.

Previously, Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal also questioned the cancellation. He had questioned that a significant portion of the funds - approximately 88% of the RM4.6 billion project - had been spent while little progress had been made. – March 1, 2025

Spotlight

Malaysia

Anwar congratulates Modi on becoming India's longest-serving elected PM

Malaysia

Missing jewellery: Rosmah ordered to pay RM67.5 million

People

Malay kampongs in Bangkok: Echoes of southern heritage in Thailand’s capital

Opinion

Johor MB’s exclusionary rhetoric betrays the people, exposes UMNO’s political hypocrisy

Malaysia

Johor and NS polls first major test of post PAS-Bersatu political order

Malaysia

Claimed installation of 12th N. Sembilan ruler invalid - Pengelola Bijaya Diraja

Malaysia

4WD driver who drove backwards on highway nabbed, positive for drugs (video)

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Seven in ten Malaysian workers earn RM5k or less - economist

You may be interested

Malaysia

MACC personnel must declare assets within one month - MACC Chief

Malaysia

Man blames 'lack of love' for sexual assault on teens

Malaysia

AG defends compound settlements in corruption cases, says law bars further prosecution after payment

Malaysia

Human skull recovered from Johor waters after becoming entangled in fishing net

Malaysia

Johor and NS polls first major test of post PAS-Bersatu political order

Malaysia

Johor state poll: EC prepares massive election operation for over 2.7 million eligible voters

Malaysia

PAS to discuss position in PN with Gerakan, MIPP this week

Malaysia

Terengganu retains Bersatu exco despite PAS split, signalling government stability