Bung Moktar's first year as Sabah Public Works minister an uphill task

 By Olivia Miwil - September 29, 2021 @ 11:57am

Despite the difficult tasks ahead, Sabah Public Works (JKR) Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said he looks forward to solving problems rather than blame the previous government. - Pic courtesy of Sabah Information Department

KOTA KINABALU: Despite the difficult tasks ahead, Sabah Public Works (JKR) Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said he looks forward to solving problems rather than blame the previous government.

He said the ministry has always faced challenges as it was closely related to people's problems in terms of basic infrastructure.

"The situation became more challenging when Covid-19 hit and we still have to face it.

"Unresolved and future issues that I have to deal with include the road network system, clean water, electricity supply and unexpected natural disasters such as floods.

"We also cannot prevent the public perception that whenever there are damaged roads, it will fall under our ministry's responsibility although some of them such as plantation or farm roads are supposed to be maintained by local authorities or other ministries," he said, adding his other mission was to address water supply woes.

Bung Moktar, who is also the state Deputy Chief Minister, was quoted in a statement in conjunction with the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah government's first year anniversary today.

He added he was lucky to have a team of state JKR director and district engineers who always go to the ground to look after the people's welfare.

As for the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway that covers Sipitang, Papar, Putatan, Inanam, Tawau, Lahad Datu and Sandakan, he said the project was facing difficulties due to the failure of getting sukuk or bonds prior to the cancellation of the project delivery partner method.

"As this project will involve high costs while the country is facing a downturn during the Covid-19 pandemic, the state government will continue the project via private funding initiatives pending approval from the federal government.

"For me, this project is important for the people of Sabah not only for a comfortable and better road network but it will transform rural areas and improve the socioeconomic status of the people."

Bung Moktar, who is also Kinabatangan member of parliament, said both state and federal public works departments had signed a memorandum to work together for the implementation of data integration system Skala-Palms for data sharing on the progress of projects.

On clean water supply, Bung Moktar said at least RM13 billion was required to improve the facilities, to reshuffle the Sabah Water department and privatise water supply services.