Jaujan (centre) explains the proposed road from Tongod to Maliau Basin while Ginun (right) and Masiung (left) look on.
TONGOD: The government is proposing to build a road from Tongod to Maliau Basin to facilitate the movement of people and researchers into the forest reserve.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Jaujan Sambakong said the proposed road would not affect the eco-habitat system in Maliau Basin.
“It is a simple route that can be used by light vehicles.
“I will not propose building a highway because it will definitely damage the habitat of the area,” he said after officiating the National Day celebration and Tongod District Level Malaysia Day 2018 here yesterday.
He said that not many people know that Maliau Basin is located in the Tongod district and the road to enter the area should start from here.
He said that the existing routes that can be used to reach the forest reserve are in Kalabakan, Pensiangan and Tawau.
“It’s supposed to be from here (Tongod), so I think that it’s time to build road from this area to the meet needs of the people and researchers.
“We will include this proposal into our plans to enable this district to grow into a new town,” he said.
Jaujan, who is also the Local Government and Housing Minister, added he would bring landscape experts to this district to help in development without affecting existing landscapes.
He said the development in Tongod would be different from other districts in Sabah, especially in terms of natural landscapes.
“We have local and foreign networks that can help us to realize this.
“I am confident that the state leadership can make the development in Tongod a reality,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Jaujan called on the people not to be easily influenced by malicious elements that were deliberately created through social sites like Facebook and WhatsApp.
“We have formed a legitimate government following the constitution and is recognized by the people.
“In Sabah, we did not seize power, but we merged to form a government, thanks to Upko and some Umno elected representatives who helped us to form the government in the interests of the people and not ourselves,” he said.
Jaujan also urged Upko members in this area to give full support to their acting president Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau.
He said that Madius is a visionary, capable, experienced and responsible leader when carrying out his duties.
Leaders like him are needed by the government.
“I also agree that Warisan, Upko, DAP and PKR should sit down together to discuss related issues,” he said.
Kuamut assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah who was also present, said the moral practice of sitting down for discussion was passed down by leaders who fought the formation of Malaysia.
“Without practising it, we may break up and betray past practices that teach us to sit down and talk.
“I also urge the people here not to be influenced by false news spread through social media as it can cause disunity,” he said.
Also present was the Permanent Secretary of the Local Government and Housing Ministry, Datuk Ginun Yangus.