KOTA KINABALU: Kuamut Barisan Nasional coordinator Datuk Johnny Intang (pic) has come out strongly against the construction of a cement plant deep within the forest in Tongod.
He labelled it a reckless move that lacks transparency and disregards both environmental impact and public welfare.
Intang said that while development is welcome, it must be guided by proper planning, clear studies, and accountability, not executed hastily at the expense of rural communities.
“Let me be clear, we are not against development. But we are against reckless development, especially those that are carried out without proper studies, no transparency, and at the cost of the environment and the welfare of the people,” he said in a statement on Thursday (April 24).
His remarks were in response to comments by Kuamut assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah, who reportedly brushed off concerns over the factory’s location with the remark: “What’s the problem with building a cement plant in the forest? Surely we’re not going to build one in the city.”
Intang described the comment as arrogant and out of touch, saying it revealed a broader issue with the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government's approach to rural development.
“The public’s legitimate concerns have been dismissed as mere ‘coffee shop talk’. This reflects a government that is more interested in deflecting criticism than solving real issues,” he said.
He also highlighted alarming claims from residents, including alleged logging activities near the project site, and a recent incident where a local narrowly avoided being crushed by falling timber.
“Tongod residents have been sidelined for too long. Instead of providing stable electricity or decent roads, we are now burdening them with a project that creates more questions than answers,” Intang stressed.
He urged Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor to break his silence, demanding full transparency on all documents related to the project and an immediate review of any logging permits granted in the area.
“Sabahans are not fools. We in Barisan will not stay quiet while GRS continues to make decisions that ignore the voices of the people and damage the environment in the name of development,” he said.
