By Olivia Miwil - April 30, 2022 @ 2:51pm
KOTA KINABALU: Tragedies could be avoided in Sabah if actions were taken early instead of acting after an issue goes viral.
Apart from the latest viral issue on schoolchildren at Kampung Nangkawangan I in Nabawan using a dangerous "zip-line" to cross a river, Luyang assemblyman Ginger Phoong brought up the recent incident of teenagers in Ranau falling from a bridge while trying to get better internet connection, as well as pupils crossing a rickety bridge in Sandakan.
"I already said it many times, including in the state assembly sitting, that assemblymen have to check on the situation at their respective constituencies.
"They have a big budget and allocation, about RM2 million for government lawmakers.
"This is their role to check, as they have community leaders and officers to check on the conditions of the bridges. They are not supposed to wait until it becomes viral," he said in a press conference for Sabah DAP's fundraising dinner.
Phoong, who is the party's state secretary, said it was absurd that despite the damaged infrastructure in Nabawan taking place some two months ago, the allocation to repair was only approved recently.
Meanwhile, Kota Kinabalu Member of Parliament (MP) Chan Foong Hin said the Nabawan issue had caught the attention of Pensiangan MP Datuk Arthur Kurup, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as well as Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor after it went viral.
"Some reports stated Hajiji would allocate funds to build the bridge, while Ismail had said the budget was approved.
"Which allocation are they going to use to build that small and little bridge?
"Hajiji had also asked the district officer to contact the Chief Minister's office on boats and engine for the villagers and students.
"While I don't really know how much it would cost, but Arthur as MP and deputy Works minister would have more allocation, I don't think that he is lacking in terms of funds for the bridge."
Comments
Post a Comment