Kota Kinabalu: Lumadan Assemblyman Datuk Ruslan Muharam proposed the construction of a large-capacity water reservoir sufficient for a period of up to three months to overcome the problem of the river water being too cloudy that makes it difficult to be processed by the water treatment plant.
He said this is because the existing plants such as those in Beaufort are only able to accommodate water capacity in a short period, which is for two hours.
“The purpose is to overcome the problem when the water in Sungai Padas experiences turbidity that cannot be processed by the plant resulting in the cessation of the supply of clean water to the people.
“The situation here (Beaufort) is that when there is a flood, the plant cannot process clean water because the water is too cloudy. Likewise during a drought, when the river is too shallow. Therefore, I strongly call for this matter to be given serious attention by the Government for the sake of the people’s wellbeing,” he said when debating in support of the State 2023 Budget at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting.
He also thanked the Works Ministry through the Beaufort District Water Department which successfully solved 80 per cent of the flood problems in Beaufort, especially the Lumadan state constituency and the people now enjoy a clean water supply.
In addition, Ruslan also suggested in order to reduce the issue of flooding in Beaufort where people are affected by the threat of flooding, that the road along the main road needs to be raised.
“For example, Jalan Bypass Limbawang, Jalan Bintuka from Limbawang to Kampung Kurian, Padas Damit, Jalan Bangkalalak and Jalan Suasa which need to be elevated to prevent communication roads from being cut off when floods occur.
“At the same time, the issue of disconnection during floods also often occurs in Beaufort. Therefore, a systematic drainage system is very necessary along the road I mentioned,” he said.
Under Expenditure Not Included in the Ministries amounting to RM38.79 million, Ruslan proposed allocations to be channelled to upgrade Jalan Kg Mentulud including Jalan Mentulud Satu and Jalan Mentulud Dua involving a distance of 2.5 kilometres.
He said the condition of the roads in this village had become an issue during the last election campaign, where many of the approximately 1,200 villagers questioned why the 40-year-old road had not yet been upgraded (to a paved road).
The village has three Village Development and Security Committees (JPKK) and has the potential as a centre for tourism, agriculture and fishing.
Ruslan also hopes that through the allocation under the Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry amounting to RM501.54 million, the agriculture sector through the Veterinary Department will be able to develop the abandoned pasture areas in the Lumadan constituency that have already been identified.
He said there are as many as seven identified areas including Padas Damit, Gadong, Bangkalalak, Bintuka, Gerama, Mintulud and Lupak which are suitable to be used as more commercial buffalo breeding areas.
“Buffaloes are decreasing in Sabah and at the same time, they are in high demand. The selling price of a buffalo is also high, which of course can improve the economy of the people, especially for the people in the B40 category and at the same time, we no longer depend on importing meat from abroad. In addition, it can also provide job opportunities for young people while reducing the migration of young people to the Peninsular or abroad,” he said.
Referring to the budget under the Finance Ministry amounting to RM2.16 billion, he appealed for funds to be channelled to community cooperatives that have the potential to be developed.
He said there are many cooperatives that have been established and proven to contribute to the national economy and provide benefits to the people through job opportunities and sources of income.
“With the injection of funds from the Government, surely the development of the cooperative movement in Sabah will be faster from micro to small, small to medium and medium to large clusters. As an added value to this effort, cooperative activities such as tourism, livestock, fishing and IKS products will continue to grow and contribute to the entry of investors and tourists from outside,” he said.
Ruslan also suggested that the Rural Development Ministry increase the JPKK allowance.
“We know that these people are the heart of the administrative machinery at the village level. It is not only focused on JPKK in Lumadan but also all JPKK in Sabah. These people are the eyes and ears of the Government who carry the voice of the people at the grassroots and because of that, I as an elected representative especially voiced and pleaded for this matter to be given attention and consideration by the Government.
“I am confident that an allocation of RM212.63 million can be channelled to JPKK by imposing an increase in their allowances in line with the roles and responsibilities assumed by them following the increasing burden of living,” he said.
In addition, he also suggested that the allowance for the Native Court (MAN) which consists of the District Head (KD), Native Head (KAN) Deputy Native Head (WKAN), and Chinese Community Leader (KMC) Village Head be increased.
“One of the important roles played by MAN is to ensure that the rights of every community in the State are protected. In line with their commitment, I am appealing to the Government under the Local Government and Housing Ministry through an allocation of RM204.03 million to increase the MAN allowance throughout Sabah.
“The time has come for the MAN allowance to be reviewed and an appropriate increase given. With this, it will be able to help all MAN members in supporting their daily lives,” he said.
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