The Issue of basic facilities in Sabah and Sarawak

KUALA LUMPUR: The issue of basic facilities in the rural areas of Sabah and Sarawak was one of the main issues raised during the debate on the Supply Bill 2012 for the Rural and Regional Development Ministry in parliament yesterday.

Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (BN-Bintulu) and Datuk Eric Majimbun (Independent-Sepanggar) questioned the implementation of projects at the ministerial level as many of the facilities provided in both states still could not be used after so long.


"For example, in the case of electicty supply, the wiring and other installations have been done but these cannot be used.

It's the same with water supply; the pipes are there but there's no water. The ministry has not taken action until today," said Tiong during the debate at the committee stage.

The electicity supply issue was also raised by Datuk Ago Dagang (BN-Kanowit), questioning why some areas were still without street lighting when the lamp posts had been installed two years ago.

Rural and Regional Development Deputy Minister Datuk Joseph Entulu when winding up the debate, said eight to 11 big water treatment plants in Sarawak would be upgraded to overcome the low water pressure problem by 2013.

He said the water supply problem was due to the small plant capacities which delayed the projects for the rural areas.

On electricity supply, Entulu said the ministry was working with SESCO Berhad in the implementation of all projects in Sarawak, with monitoring carried out from time to time.

"All installation designs must have the approval of SESCO before construction can begin, If the specifications are not adhered to, then improvements must first be made," he said.

As for Sabah, Entulu said each street lighting installed would be handed over to Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) for operation and maintenance.

"If there's any Problem, residents are encouraged to call 15454 and SESB will act."

BP