Kota Kinabalu: Warisan President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said there is no excuse for the relevant Ministry to leave any pothole unattended until it claimed the life of a breadwinner.
The former Chief Minister noted deteriorating infrastructure in many places.
“Potholes recently caused the death of a motorcyclist. These potholes are not in Long Pasia or Pitas. They are in Kota Kinabalu. We have allocations. We raised the allocation for road maintenance from RM300 million to RM400 million during my tenure as Chief Minister. What happened to this money for road maintenance now?
“Also money that should guarantee an adequate supply of water, not just replacing the water meters and pipes,” he said.
He said money channelled to government agencies are meant to help the people and not for vacation.
“How can the water issue be fixed? You must keep the water contained. There needs to be a dam, whether it is from rainfall or ground sources. I am aware that the dam exists, but it is insufficient. It is very important that the distribution portion be sent to the proper location,” he said.
“Nowhere else in this country is there to ongoing water and electricity rationing,” he said.
On unemployment, Shafie cited instances where he met parents expressing hopes for more job opportunities in Sabah.
“They say to me “Datuk Seri, our children work far away. Please provide Sabah with job opportunities. Despite returning to Sabah, they ultimately return to Kuala Lumpur due to their work there.
He said providing proper skills and education is equally important for the people.
“If people do not have the skills or proper education, how do we help them escape poverty?” he said.
He also said that Sabah’s vast and fertile land can be an opportunity to help her people.
“Back when I was in Kuala Lumpur, for example, I spoke with Tesco and Giant in Cameron Highlands and also in Genting Highlands about contract farming.
“The vegetables were reasonably priced and of the quality that the market required. They inked a five-year contract to ensure they could supply those hypermarkets and supermarkets, thus providing financial and job opportunities.
“This is something we must address as best as possible because we know Sabah has vast fertile land,” he said.
Additionally, he said prompt action is necessary to address accusations of corruption against certain Sabah politicians.
