KOTA KINABALU – The controversial Tg Aru Eco Development (TAED) project will proceed as planned, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, following plans to replace the Papar Dam.
Bung Moktar however said the multi-billion ringgit TAED project, originally planned as a mixed development project, will be scaled down as it will not involve any reclamation.
“We will make use of the beach, but not all, because the rest are still public areas. The board of directors have been appointed by the chief minister and I believe work will start this year,” he said.
The previous Warisan-led state government had planned to resume the TAED project started by the Barisan Nasional government, but received objections from environmental groups and formerly opposition parties now in the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah administration.
Bung Moktar said the government is considering reverting to the original dam location in Penampang after the Warisan government at the time proposed moving the project from Kaiduan to Papar.
“We might move the dam back to Penampang because I was informed if we did it in Papar, the dam could only provide water for up to 60 years, whereas in Penampang, it would be 85 years.”
Bung Moktar said water shortage is a problem throughout Sabah.
“We need to be brave. If we’re not, the people will suffer,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bung Moktar, who is also the Sabah Umno chief, said the Umno and Bersatu youth wings should not fight each other but instead help and serve the people.
He said this when asked about the arguments between both sides over poaching of members.
“We practice democracy and to me, all this ‘buying’ of members is not easy. But it is up to the members which party they want to join, no need to fight.
“My advice is to help the people. Don’t fight over membership because now is the time to serve the people,” he said.
Bung Moktar also repeated Sabah Umno’s stance on ensuring the GRS government is intact, adding that the party has good relations with all of GRS’ component parties (Bersatu, PBS and Sabah Star). – The Vibes, January 5, 2021
