Upgrade of rail system in pipeline
Published on: Tuesday, August 14, 2018
CHIEF Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said an upgrade of the State's railway system is in the pipeline."We will upgrade and expand the system, it is all in the pipeline," he said in his winding-up speech during the debate on the Supplementary Supply Bill 2018 at the State Assembly, Monday.Shafie, who is also State Finance Minister, said the matter had been discussed with the Federal Works Ministry.ADVERTISEMENT "Railway is a punctual mode of transport as there is no traffic congestion. Furthermore, it is a good transport system to carry goods from the rural areas to other areas."I have read a British journal published in 1918 and even then they already had the right thinking – to link the whole of Sabah via railroad."If the financial situation permits, the rail system will be extended to Kudat or even Sandakan," he added.In Kudat, Shafie said, the Government planned to build a port to ensure that the shipment of goods would be easier as it is the nearest to the export market such as Hong Kong, Vietnam and Japan.ADVERTISEMENT "It is hoped the locals in Kudat will also receive the multiplier effect from this proposed port as we know there are many underprivileged people in that area," he said.Shafie also voiced concern on the condition of roads in the State.
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"During the general election, I visited many places in Sabah. In four days, I travelled a distance of 6,400 kilometres and found the condition of many roads worrying as they are not well maintained," he said.He said he had informed the Prime Minister and the Federal Minister concerned that stern action must be taken as it involved leakages in the system."For example, if you travel from the Tawau airport to the town, the road needs to be repaired in less than five years."And if you look at the road from the Kunak-Lahad Datu roundabout to Semporna, its maintenance is very low. "The road was built by a company from the Philippines in 1975 and its quality is much better than roads in other places.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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"The Government spent millions of ringgit every year for road maintenance but it did not bring good results due to leakages and this is worrying."That is why the system needs restructuring." -Ricardo Unto