Kinabatangan MP appeals for allocation to upgrade roads

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KOTA KINABALU: Muddy trails, deaths and poor basic infrastructure have become synonymous to life in several rural villages in Kinabatangan and according to its member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Bung Mokhtar Radin, the situation becomes even worse after a day or two of heavy downpour.

“We do hear of cases where pregnant mothers, children and even elderly folks had lost their lives because of failure to receive immediate treatment due to impassable roads.

“Although these are just some isolated cases, the fact that it has happened before still concerns us. We have made promises to the people to improve the roads but we are still unable to fulfill them,” he said.

Therefore, Bung stressed that Sabah deserves additional allocation for its development, in return for contributing to Barisan Nasional’s big win in the 13th General Election.

In making the call, he said the Federal Government should consider channeling bigger allocation through the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (RRDM) to improve basic infrastructures, such as water and electricity supplies as well as roads, in East Malaysia, especially in the rural areas.

“For instance, in my area, there are about seven to eight villages which would be covered in mud for weeks just after one or two days of heavy rain, rendering the roads impassable.

“In fact, poor basic infrastructure is not evident in Kinabatangan alone, but in several other districts in Sabah as well.

“This is an important issue which needs to be tackled quickly. There is no point in preaching and talking about transformation when such problems are not dealt with until the people lose their trust in the government,” Bung said.

With the additional allocations, he said, the gap in terms of development between East Malaysia and other states in the country can be reduced.

“I have been debating on this issue in the Dewan Rakyat, I question what is the correct definition of a developed country? Does it mean only developing the urban areas while the rural places remain poor?

“Will the rich continue to be rich, while the poor only become poorer? I believe it is better to offer a balanced package so both East and West Malaysia can be developed and be at par. This balance was included in the BN Manifesto, a promise made during the GE13 that we must keep,” Bung said.

He also said that the people’s socio-economic status and livelihood could improve for the better if only they were provided with basic infrastructures.

If the BN government fails to fulfill its promises, Bung added, the ruling government could lose its grip in the next general election.

He also called on government agencies, especially those related to the RRDM, to look into the plight of the affected villagers.

“For now, we are just hoping for a sealed road but it is good enough to ensure that these roads can be accessed at all times.

“There are at least 13 stretches of road in need of upgrading, but I do not expect it to be done simultaneously as I understand it would involve a lot of money. However, I believe that it has to be done in stages.

“There are also at least 30 villages without power supply. I hope that they will get better infrastructure in the next three years,” he said.