Can’t deny Sepanggar folks water and power: Yakub
Published on: Wednesday, May 24, 2023
By: Jonathan Nicholas
.jpg "Can’t deny Sepanggar folks water and power: Yakub")
Water Department personnel in the process of cutting illegal water piping that is deliberately hidden underground. - Pc for illustration only
Kota Kinabalu: Even the Sepanggar water thieves deserve the opportunity to enjoy basic human needs, says Karambunai Assemblyman Datuk Yakub Khan.“I am not trying to defend them but people will commit crimes when pushed to the extreme.
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“They have been asking for their land to be gazetted and until then they are denied water and electricity because it’s against the housing laws.
“Give them the opportunity to get water the halal way. Either by coupon or in bulk, it can be supplied to suitable areas,” he said at the State Assembly sitting, Tuesday.
Meanwhile, he said the 11 road-related deaths in Sepanggar from 2021 until recently could be pinned on bad road conditions.
“Driving here gets dangerous especially in the dark and rain. I hope the relevant ministry can step in to remove this hazard which is also expensive.
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“Let’s not point fingers but work together to address the power issue. How come Sarawak can generate 5,995MW and Sabah only 1,200MW while we are using 1,800MW?” he asked.
He also said the lokan and kelapa bakar stalls along Jalan Salut have seen an upgrade from traditional to more organised structures but their owners are now being charged RM600 a month.
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“The local authority should revise the charge because these people live from hand to mouth,” he said.
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