Sabah development hinges on Putrajaya's commitment, says Shahelmey

KOTA KINABALU: The Federal Government's continued commitment is needed to ensure the completion of development plans for Sabah, including the Pan Borneo Highway project.

State Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said from the recent Kembara Kenali Borneo expedition from Sabah to Sarawak, headed by the King, it was clear there are grouses on the ground over infrastructure issues.

“These problems have been voiced to the King... and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has (also heard) these complaints,” he said after closing the National Month celebrations at Putatan on Thursday (Sept 21).

Shahelmey said Phase One of the Pan Borneo project was still not completed, with the work on the stretches from Tawau to Kinabatangan and Telupid to Ranau yet to begin.

“We need the commitment from (Putrajaya) to see that these projects not only start but are completed,” said Shahelmey, also Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III.

He added that Anwar had promised that work on these two stretches of roads would start by year's end.

Shahelmey said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah had also noted the various problems Sabahans faced, such as roads, water and electricity supply.

When asked about his wish list for Budget 2024, Shahelmey said he hopes allocations for the state will be given out more efficiently and that pressing infrastructure issues will be addressed.