Nabawan rep presses for faster project implementation, questions delays and budget priorities

KOTA KINABALU (Dec 15): Nabawan assemblyman Datuk Abd Ghani Mohd Yassin has raised a series of pressing questions regarding the status of development projects in the district, stressing the need for timely implementation to ensure the welfare of residents.

He began by inquiring about the current status of the Wishlist or project list for Nabawan under the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (RMKe-13), which was submitted in early 2025 for consideration, particularly through next year’s budget.

The assemblyman also highlighted delays in development projects exceeding RM500,000, citing the Nabawan town bridge and the Anak Negeri Nabawan (MAN) court building as examples where progress has fallen behind schedule.

“What are the issues causing delays at the agency level?” he asked, urging a review of project management procedures and a reduction in bureaucratic processes between headquarters and district offices.

He further suggested raising the threshold for small-scale tenders in Sabah to reflect rising costs and to enhance the impact of high-value projects across departments, agencies, and district offices.

“Rural areas should be given priority and adequate allocations, especially as the government works to improve socio-economic conditions and boost the grassroots economy under the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 development plan,” he said when debating the state 2026 budget speech at the State Assembly Sitting here on Monday.

The assemblyman stressed the importance of basic infrastructure to residents’ well-being, noting that Nabawan, the state’s fourth-largest district, including the small district of Pagalungan near the Indonesia border, still has many urgent needs.

He recalled raising these issues during the 16th state assembly session, particularly regarding the delayed upgrade of the two bridges.

He urged responsible agencies such as JKR, JANS, SESB, and others to expedite pending projects.

“Please resolve issues that can be addressed immediately and do not delay development that affects the welfare of the people,” he said.

Other concerns raised include the repair of village roads under state supervision, the upgrading of main roads and former logging or agricultural roads, specifically the 12-kilometre gravel road from Kg. Pemunterian to Kg. Ulu Mesopoh, which remains unpaved despite repeated media attention.

He also recommended the construction of concrete gabions along riverbanks in Pagalungan to prevent erosion and protect houses, citing previous incidents of landslides destroying several homes.

On utilities, he highlighted complaints about electricity and clean water supply, particularly in remote villages.

“Some communities have applied for electricity connections for a long time, yet nothing has been implemented. During the rainy season, water supplied by JANS in Nabawan becomes murky if not disrupted. This needs urgent attention,” he said.

He proposed that temporary alternative supplies, such as BELB and BALBA, be provided for remote areas while permanent solutions are implemented.

The assemblyman also addressed the need for repairs to the Anak Negeri court buildings, community halls, mini-halls, and suspension bridges, emphasising that public facilities must be maintained to ensure safety and well-being.

Additionally, he raised concerns about public recreational centres and sports, cultural, or leisure facilities, urging monitoring and repair of existing infrastructure and coordination between central and district agencies to prioritise these projects.

Abd Ghani inquired about the current status of the Nabawan land lot scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Sabah (MAFFI), asking whether the state government plans to gradually allocate the developed land to local communities.

He also sought updates on the official gazettement of the Tatalaan Nabawan sub-district, citing demographic changes and administrative efficiency as reasons for urgency.