Citizen-driven report highlights key gaps in Sabah’s infrastructure, seeks transparent evidence-based plans

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 16): A citizen-driven public infrastructure report compiled through statewide grassroots engagement was presented to the Sabah government on Thursday.

It highlights key gaps in basic infrastructure and calls for more transparent and evidence-based planning.

The ‘Voices to Action’ Public Infrastructure Report was tabled by the Sabah Action Body Advocating Rights (Sabar) during a briefing with Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam.

The year-long initiative engaged thousands of Sabahans from both rural and urban communities.

It puts forward 117 actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening Sabah’s core development enablers, particularly road connectivity, sustainable water management, and the establishment of a stronger maintenance culture within public works.

Sabar chairman Datuk Zainie Abdul Aucasa said the report represents a bottom-up approach to governance, grounded in citizens’ lived experiences.

“Our findings show that Sabahans want evidence-based interventions and greater transparency in project planning. This report offers a professional roadmap derived directly from community feedback, rather than slogans,” he said.

Key areas highlighted include improving rural connectivity through better four-wheel drive access for teachers and healthcare workers in interior regions, enhancing water security by addressing illegal tapping and upgrading ageing distribution networks, as well as promoting open, consultative planning for major infrastructure projects such as future phases of the Pan Borneo Highway.

Dr Joachim, who is also Minister of Works and Utilities, welcomed the presentation and said his ministry is committed to incorporating professional input and civil society feedback into the state’s 2026 development agenda.

He added that the ministry and Sabar have agreed to maintain an ongoing consultative channel to monitor the implementation of the citizen-led recommendations.

Sabar is a non-partisan organisation advocating for Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and promoting inclusive and transparent policymaking through grassroots engagement.