Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Vice President Gee Tien Siong called for enhanced transparency and a reassessment of payment management systems for Sabah’s public facilities which are currently being handled by companies from outside the State.
The Luyang Community Development Leader pointed out growing concerns among residents and businesses over why important public services such as the Foh Sang Parking Complex and on-street payment systems here and in Penampang are managed by firms based in Peninsular Malaysia.
“Why are Sabah’s public facilities being outsourced to companies in Selangor when we have capable local experts who understand our needs better?” he asked.
“When technical issues arise, Sabahans have to call Kuala Lumpur for support. This is not only inconvenient but also raises questions about how these contracts were awarded and whether they truly benefit our local economy,” he added.
He said reports indicate that the newly built Foh Sang Parking Complex uses a fee management system by Whizcity Sdn Bhd, a Selangor-based company, while the on-street parking systems in Kota Kinabalu and Penampang, previously managed via coupons by DBKK and the Penampang District Council, have now been taken over by LiTS Sdn Bhd, another firm registered in Shah Alam, Selangor.
Gee also urged Luyang Assemblyman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, who is State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister, to clarify how outsourcing these services to non-Sabahan firms benefits the local economy.
“What measures has his (Phoong) department taken to help local businesses to participate in public infrastructure projects?” he said.
“Sabah is home to many local experts and talents with the technical knowledge and experience required to manage and develop advanced parking systems.
“These professionals can offer cost-effective and locally responsible solutions that better serve the community while boosting local economic growth,” he added.