BUGAYA Assemblyman Jamil Hamzah called on the State Government to provide detailed explanations for every supplementary allocation approved, including its purpose, implementation and expected benefits for the people.
Speaking during the debate on the 2026 Supplementary Supply Bill, Jamil said additional spending should not come at the expense of accountability, adding that every allocation must be managed openly and used for the benefit of the people.
“The Assembly is not merely a place to approve figures. It is the guardian of public funds. The Government must explain what the money is for, where it will be spent, who is responsible, when the work will be carried out or completed, and what the people will gain from it.
“The people do not live in budget documents. They live with dry water taps, damaged roads and projects that are still unfinished,” he said.
Jamil welcomed plans to upgrade Semporna’s electricity supply through two projects worth RM119.12 million and called for regular progress updates so the public could track their implementation.
He said a stable electricity supply was essential to ensure water pumps operated properly, businesses could function and the tourism industry continued to grow.
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“This is not only about electricity. When power is cut, water pumps stop. When electricity returns, water does not necessarily flow immediately because water pressure has to be restored.
“One disruption causes two problems, especially for residents of Kampung Sungai Gajah, Tonggulangan, Simunul, Senang Hati, Tobo-Tobo and Kampung Air. I therefore call for a Semporna-Bugaya Water and Electricity Resilience Plan within 30 days, covering project status, plant capacity, backup generators, work progress and completion dates, so that the public can monitor it,” he said.
Jamil also urged the Government to give priority to upgrading roads, bridges, drainage systems and street lighting in several parts of Semporna and Bugaya to improve safety and convenience.
He said reliable infrastructure was essential in supporting the daily needs of local communities.
On welfare, Jamil called for faster delivery of assistance to those in need, alongside wider employment opportunities and income-generating programmes.
He also proposed that every request for supplementary funding should be accompanied by a report explaining the reasons for the additional costs, the project’s objectives and its implementation timeline to allow effective scrutiny by the Assembly.
During the debate, Jamil also highlighted the need to resolve Sabah’s 40 per cent special grant entitlement in line with the Federal Constitution and expressed hope that negotiations would continue in a constructive manner.
He further urged improvements to the management of the Bubul Ria People’s Housing Project (PPR), including better maintenance of basic facilities and greater transparency in charges imposed on residents.
Jamil also expressed hope that the development of the Semporna Sports Complex would continue under a clear implementation plan to provide better sporting facilities for young people in the future.
He stressed that every approved allocation should produce tangible results for the people through better basic amenities, improved infrastructure and effective public services.
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