adminOur representatives from the Unit Pengurusan Daerah (UPD) / Pusat Khidmat ADUN Moyog have met the State’s Minister of Infrastructure Development, Datuk Shahelmy Yahya on the 13 December 2024 at his office at Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu.
The meeting was held to discuss matters relating to the district’s infrastructures and utilities and also subsequent to the request made by the Deputy President of Warisan, Datuk Darell Leiking (during the recently concluded State Assembly meeting) to the honorable Minister to look into the issue of innumerable potholes in Penampang.
Our team comprised of myself as the UPD Chief, Donald Masudal (Dep. Chief of UPD) and the unit’s AJKs namely Jeffrey Leiking, Juney Simol and Sam Koh while the Ministry were represented by Datuk Shahelmy himself, Jasni Abu Suffyan (Timb. SUT II), IR Adrian Lee (Head of Deputy Director of Road), Quirine Jokinol (Director of Sabah Water Department) and Mohd. Azri Abdullah (JANS Technical Advisor).
We brought up to the attention of the Ministry the condition of several roads in the district riddled with potholes and uneven patchwork such as Jalan Pintas Penampang, Sigah Roundabout, Jalan Nosoob Hungab, Jalan Panglima Banting, Lorong Patuma 2 Kepayan, Lorong Patuma 9 Kepayan, Jalan Penampang Baru, Jalan Lintas approaching KKIA, Lorong MasJaya Kepayan, Jalan Kepayan Kobusak and Cybercity Kapayan.
Other matters raised by UPD is the non-functioning streetlights, cleaning and clearing of debris on road drainages especially during the rainy season to prevent flash flood, cleaning and clearing of road gutters to prevent accumulation of water on roads that will increase the risk of ‘hydroplaning’ and accidents.
We extended our hope that JANS and Work Ministry will ensure Penampang folks especially at DUN Kapayan received consistent water supply and also to extend assistance by providing water tank lorries to areas facing acute, irregular disruption such as Taman Penampang and Golden Hill Park and when the need arise.
We suggested that the Ministry organize regular townhall sessions with relevent stakeholders to establish and promote two-way communications so everyone will be able to understand each other’s situation.
Additionally, and in particular, we have asked the Ministry why no work commence yet at Jalan Panglima Banting that should had been completed years ago and were informed that the delays are caused by two matters namely: (1) the refusal by occupants (alongside the road) to move out despite having been paid the requisite compensation and (2) utilities relocation.
We were told that with regards to the occupants’ refusal, the matter should be discussed at Jawatankuasa Perobohan, Majlis Perbandaran Penampang whereas the relocation of utilities is to be handled by JANS and SESB hence we urge the Mesyuarat Majlis Tindakan Daerah Penampang to act quickly on these matters.
This delay clearly depicts the nonchalant attitude and disinterest on the part of GRS and PH Penampang leadership to manage the district properly despite they are in control of State’s apparatuses from the highest level and all the way the appointment of district councilors, UPPMs and JKKKs.
Being made up of passionate Penampang folks who wish to contribute to the effective management of the district, UPD pride in its motto of ‘service and commitment’ and is ready to work closely with the State’s governmental authorities and we sincerely thanked the Ministry for their professionalism and time with us.
The Ministry in return thanked and extended its appreciation to UPD’s representation of the Penampang folks and assured us that it will look into the matters brought up for the benefit of the district.
PRITCHARD GUMBARIS
Political Secretary to the Deputy President of Parti Warisan
14 December 2024
