KOTA KINABALU – Sabah has given numerous plots of land to the federal government for development, but many have been abandoned, making the move a waste of state land space, said Wirawati deputy head Jo-Anna Sue Henley Rampas.
In an apparent jab towards Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Henley cited the new SMK Pekan Nabalu worksite as an example.
“The land has been left idle and the project abandoned.”
It is understood that federal agencies have in the past given land to Sabah to build schools, hospitals, fire stations, and other facilities. Bangkuai, however, accused Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal of giving away an 810ha island for use as a settlement for illegal immigrants.
Henley said: “I believe Bangkuai is only trying to divert (attention from) the real issues raised by Warisan over these new plots given to the federal government.
“In reality, the federal government has many plots that are still under-utilised.”
She added that Bangkuai’s allegations against Shafie remain unfounded.
Henley said Bangkuai should be better informed about the number of plots given to the federal government as he is part of the ruling Sabah parties, adding that the assistant minister should also know that no islands have been given away to illegal immigrants as alleged.
Some of the pieces of land Sabah has handed over include Labuan, as well as land owned by Felda, Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority, and others. – The Vibes, February 23, 2021
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