KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin wants to see the Pan Borneo Highway project in Sabah back on track again so that its completion can be expedited.
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The newly-appointed state Public Works Minister said it was absurd that the Sabah portion was still behind compared to Sarawak when the mega project was launched in both states around the same time.
“Sarawak already achieved 50%, Sabah only between 18% to 20% (of completion).
“It does not make sense as to why Sarawak can and Sabah cannot, so I will look into the details of this matter to ensure the highway project here moves just as fast, and ensure the people here enjoy good road links like other states, ” he told reporters after clocking in on his first day at the ministry’s office on Wednesday (Sept 30).
Asked about the change of the ministry’s name as it was previously known as Infrastructure Development Ministry, Bung Moktar said this is something they would discuss further as it was what the Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor announced.
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“This is my first day here at the Public Works office and I have been given a briefing by the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary (Helena Masli) regarding the ministry’s matters.
“The other relevant agencies will brief me at later given dates. But I am aware that the ministry will focus on restructuring the existing programmes and budgets we have under 12th Malaysia Plan, ” he added.
Bung Moktar said road infrastructure and clean water supply which are still a problem in Sabah, would be his main mission.
“Over the years, I have received information of these issues, and giving treated water supply throughout Sabah and upgrading existing roads are one of the (pledges listed in the) manifesto under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.
“Hopefully in these five years (during my tenure), we can address that problem in districts facing water supply issues. The people deserve these basic infrastructures, ” he said, adding that they will consider other programmes based on priorities.
Asked about what they plan to do with the controversial proposed Papar Dam, he said he has yet to get a briefing from the state Water Department. -The Star