PENAMPANG: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) Zone 4 Chief Datuk John Ambrose called on state Government-linked company Jetama Sdn Bhd and a Pan Borneo Highway contractor to step forward in supporting Penampang’s post-flood recovery efforts.
He said both are needed to discharge their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by donating millions of ringgit, at least, to complement government efforts.
He said Penampang Municipal Council (PMC) has estimated that about RM25 million is needed urgently to repair homes, public infrastructures, facilities and basic amenities that were severely damaged by the Sept 12-15 floods.
“Landslides, erosion and flash floods in the district caused serious damage to roads, drains, water gravity supply systems, electricity poles and other basic amenities.
“Council Deputy President Noemi Dyena Johntren informed me that almost 50 villages were affected by the natural disasters with 146 landslides/erosions, 22 suspension and concrete bridges and 60 water gravity systems destroyed. “Some 123 roads and 95 drains/culverts are in need of repairs.
“We know allocations are due from the state and federal governments, Jetama, the water concessionaire managing and treating water at the Babagon Dam for decades, must allocate some of its own funds as well.
“Apart from federal and state allocations, Jetama, the water concessionaire managing and treating water at the Babagon Dam for decades, must also allocate funds to help Penampang residents. This includes the Pan Borneo Highway contractor company being awarded multi-million ringgit projects which are ongoing here that should translate into meaningful assistance,” he said.
Pan Borneo construction has also been blamed as contributing to the floods and mudslides over the years.
Ambrose, who is also Yayasan Bumiputra Sabah (YBS) Chairman, said he had yet to see any donations coming from the two firms.
“Why are Jetama and the Pan Borneo Highway contractor still quiet? The Pan Borneo project in Panampang alone is worth hundreds of millions of ringgit. It is only fair they donate substantial amounts to help residents,” he said, urging contributions to be made immediately.
Ambrose also supported the call by the Political Secretary to the Chief Minister Datuk Dr Roland Chia for a temporary ban or suspension on hill-cutting developments in Penampang, saying such projects worsened flood and landslide risks in the district.
He thanked Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for visiting affected areas and flood victims.
He noted that Hajiji had personally visited Penampang during all three major flood incidents this year, underscoring his commitment.
“The Chief Minister is working around the clock. But private sector players must also step up. This is not the time to remain silent,” Ambrose said.
