SINDUMIN Assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob said Sabah leaders should be synchronised in their endeavour to accelerate progress and assure a prosperous future by rapidly addressing infrastructure and development issues.
“The State Government can take firm action in developing the State, maybe through loans from the Federal Government or foreign investors, if necessary.
“We cannot wait. We must act now,” he said when debating the Supplementary Budget Bill.
Dr Yusof pointed out how urgently improved infrastructure is needed to draw businesses and foreign investors to Sabah.
Road links, railway networks, sea routes, aviation routes and enough water supply for public and industrial usage were five key areas he identified as needing attention.
Citing instances like the projected Leisure City in Merintaman, Sindumin and the Tanjung Aru Eco Development, he voiced concern over the slow advancement of such projects.
He urged improved cooperation and recommended forming a taskforce to supervise and speed project.
Dr Yusof also talked about the value of biomass, hydro and solar energy sources for drawing in ecologically concerned investors.
“Many multinational corporations now run their operations on green or renewable energy sources to satisfy export requirements and evade carbon credit costs.
“To rival established nations like Singapore, Taiwan and China, there is a need for sophisticated communication technologies, including 5G and 6G networks,” he said.
He also emphasised job creation — especially in technical and professional sectors — to help in economic growth. To generate the required manpower, he advised working with technical colleges, universities and training facilities.
Although Dr Yusof acknowledged the Federal Government’s responsibilities to Sabah, he voiced concerns over the slow implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and promised fulfilment.
Citing Sarawak’s proactive attitude as an example, he exhorted Sabah to lead in its development.
He also noted how federal officials, especially in rural areas, lacked awareness of Sabah’s developmental requirements, and urged Sabah’s officials to present a united front so that the Federal Government can be properly informed of the State’s needs.
He questioned Sabah’s degree of autonomy in running the project on the Pan Borneo Highway, pointing out that the Ministry of Finance in Peninsular Malaysia still controls decisions.
He also asked about the steps the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (Sogip) would take to solve water supply problems.
Noting that seven months had gone by since the ground-breaking ceremony by the Prime Minister on December 9 last year, he also asked for an update on the construction and status of the Upper Padas Dam.
Citing the limited capacity of the present airport and the possible economic impact on nearby towns, he revived the discussion about relocating the Kota Kinabalu International Airport to Kimanis.
