KOTA KINABALU: The voice of Labuan residents must be included in the technical study for the proposed Sabah-Labuan bridge, says Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Labuan division chief Datuk Peter Mak.
"The need for the Labuan bridge is immediate, if not long overdue," Mak said on Wednesday (Nov 13).
He was responding to Sabah Progressive Party president Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee, who recently criticised the new study for the bridge, pointing out that multiple studies have already been conducted and concrete action is needed instead.
The latest study, was announced by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr. Zaliha Mustafa.
Mak says that PBS Labuan views the new study as essential because it will focus on the technical aspects of the bridge’s construction rather than its feasibility.
“As it is a technical study, the focus should be on construction details, not on determining whether the bridge is a viable project,” he added.
Mak said the study's terms of reference should include input from local residents, as they are the primary stakeholders in the bridge project.
He said the proposed bridge should not be viewed solely from an economic perspective, as it also offers significant social benefits.
