Kota Kinabalu: Warisan Assemblyman Datuk Junz Wong demanded that the State Government reveal the identities of private companies that profiteered from the supply of water at exhorbitant rates to people struggling from water shortages.
“The GRS (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah) government has failed to protect the welfare of the people as demonstrated by its inability to provide adequate water supply, resulting in private companies takin advantage,” he said.
He stressed the government has the responsibility of ensuring people get access to clean water which is a fundamental human right, rather than allowing them to continue suffering.
Junz also enquired on the progress of the Government’s investigation into companies which were allegedly profiteering from the water crisis.
SPONSORED CONTENT Daily Express members: Enjoy 1 for 1 signature cocktails and more at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu: DAILY EXPRESS is partnering with Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu to offer an exclusive deal for our members. Read more “Who are the owners of these companies? The people have the right to know,” he said during the discussion on the Supplementary Supply Bill.
He asked whether the State Government would provide any allocation to reimburse consumers who have to pay private companies up to 10 times the normal rate of water.
He said the water crisis is becoming increasingly widespread and has affected areas in Papar and Tuaran, such as Taman Sri Rugading, which experienced five days without water supply each week.
On a separate matter, Junz appealed to the government to continue water and electricity supply on humanitarian grounds to residential quarters of former SFI employees who were directed to relocate.
“Let us not forget their children who are still attending school. Logging activities are still ongoing in SFI, so why isn’t the revenue from these activities being used to help those who once served SFI?” he asked.
Furthermore, he questioned if the government has allocated additional funds for roads, street lights, bridges and jetties in dire need of repairs.
Junz also expressed concern on signs pointing to an economic downturn in Sabah.
“Not only in terms of business sales, but its also evident that many premises once frequented by customers are now deserted,” he said, noting even those in white-collar professions are lamenting of the growing hardships.
In light of this, Junz recommended the government provide business-friendly policies and initiatives to support Small medium Enterprises (SMEs) in generating economic growth in Sabah.
On Rumah Pangsa residents in Tanjung Aru, he urged the government to either repair the units or allocate alternative housing for the affected residents.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
