KOTA KINABALU – Newly minted Sabah Works Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin wants the multibillion-ringgit Pan Borneo Highway project to be hastened.
Speaking on his first day in office after the state election last Saturday, he said the project is a must.
“We have been left behind. Sarawak has already achieved 50% (of the highway). Sabah has only achieved 18% to 20%,” he said when asked about the project, which has been delayed.
“So, it doesn’t make sense why Sarawak can do it but Sabah can’t. We will look into it, specifically to ensure the Pan Borneo (construction) can move quickly in Sabah, so the people can also enjoy good roads like other states.”
Deputy Works Minister Datuk Eddin Syazlee Shith had told Parliament in August that the project encountered delays due to changes in policies, the termination of the project delivery partner agreement and the retendering of several work packages.
The Sabah portion of the Pan Borneo Highway involves a 1,236km stretch in three phases. Phase 1 alone is reported to cost RM12.86 billion.
In total, the highway is expected to stretch over 2,239km, including the portion in Sarawak.
Bung Moktar, who is Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) chief, also assured access to clean water and improved roads under his administration.
He said this was one of the promises of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah alliance’s “Aku Janji” manifesto to ensure water supply and upgrade roads following its victory last weekend.
BN is a component of GRS, along with Perikatan Nasional and Parti Bersatu Sabah.
“In the next five years, we will ensure that districts and villages that have water supply issues... get water.
“My job here and that of my colleagues in the ministry is to ensure that the people’s rights are upheld.
“All other matters we will look into according to priority.”
On the Covid-19 situation, he said there is a need to be cautious.
“Even Kota Kinabalu is now a red zone,” said Bung Moktar, adding that health authorities have asked for a lockdown of the city.
“That is our big challenge. We all have to be careful. We hope Covid doesn’t spread to other districts, and that it can be controlled.”
He said there will be a state cabinet discussion on the matter.
“That is a priority.” – The Vibes, September 30, 2020
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