TAWAU: The reluctance of private landowners involved in the Jalan Utara development project to relinquish their land for development purposes has been identified as a key obstacle in expediting the completion of the project.
Kukusan Assemblywoman Datuk Rina Jainal, said she was informed that some parties refused to release their land even though it was the government’s responsibility to develop the area.
“However, this is currently being reviewed to speed up the development of Jalan Utara, which indeed has a significant impact on the residents of the Kukusan area,” she told the media on Thursday.
According to her, the matter was raised during her meeting with Sabah Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Ir Shahelmy Yahya, and Kalabakan Member of Parliament, Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandi, at his office recently to discuss the development of Jalan Utara, which is crucial for the Kukusan area.
During the meeting, she also raised concerns regarding heavy vehicle transportation along Jalan Kalabakan, particularly involving the palm oil industry.
Rina noted that while there is no immediate need for a dedicated route, industry players should act more responsibly in their use of other public roads.
In the meantime, Rina urged civil servants and all relevant parties to act with integrity and professionalism to ensure that government development initiatives are not hindered by internal weaknesses.
“The public is watching our work…therefore, I hope all parties will uphold integrity and competitiveness in delivering the best services,” she added.
For the record, the RM206 million Jalan Utara Baru road-widening project began in March 2023 and is expected to be completed within 36 months.
