Plea to government to upgrade 6.8km Beaufort stretch
Published on: Tue, Aug 12, 2025
By: Ahmad Apong Text Size: Deteriorating condition: Residents urged the authorities to expedite upgrade of the road in question. BEAUFORT: Residents of Kampung Binunuk here urged the Government to upgrade a 6.8-kilometre stretch that was previously approved for an allocation of RM32 million, but has yet to be implemented. Resident, Ajip Usop, said he was made to understand a contractor had already been appointed for the road upgrade but years have passed without any visible sign of work being carried out.
Advertisement 'A contractor came to survey the road, claiming they had secured the project. But to this day, we've never seen them return. It has been years,' he said. Ajip added that the road frequently floods, making it impassable and worsening its already deteriorating condition, riddled with potholes. He stressed that the upgrade should be expedited. 'The Public Works Department (JKR) must implement this project as soon as possible, for the comfort and safety of Kampung Binunuk residents,' he said. According to him, speaking through Daily Express is the only way to highlight their plight to the authorities, as previous appeals had been ignored by elected leaders. 'Just look at the condition of this road, how are we supposed to use it? It's full of potholes everywhere. Even vehicles owned by villagers are damaged,' he lamented. He pointed out that although the road is only 6.8 kilometres long, it has been neglected since independence, forcing the local community to continue using it out of necessity. 'Pity our children who have to walk through mud just to get to school. The same goes for our senior citizens and expectant mothers who need to get to hospital for treatment,' he said. Ajip added that many residents still use the muddy road on a daily basis, but questioned why the Government continues to overlook their suffering. 'People still brave this road, even in poor conditions. Does the Government not care about the residents who have no choice but to use it every day?' During the monsoon season, he said, the road becomes severely damaged and even cuts off access to town, making it hard for villagers to buy food and essential supplies. In emergencies, he added, damaged roads could delay the arrival of fire and rescue teams, putting lives and property at even greater risk. 'It would be in the best interest of everyone if the Government upgrades this road to ensure safer and easier access for all residents,' he said. Ajip appealed to Lumadan Assemblyman Datuk Ruslan Muharam, who is also Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and Sipitang Member of Parliament Datuk Matbali Musah to take this issue seriously. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Daily Express
15,000ha in Sipitang approved for village settlements
Published on: Wednesday, August 13, 2025 Published on: Wed, Aug 13, 2025 By: Ahmad Apong Text Size: Dr Yusoff said this is the Chief Minister's intention to listen to and fulfil the wishes of rural residents in need of land. SIPITANG: A total of 15,000 hectares within a forest reserve area in Sipitang have been approved by the State Government for village settlements. Qhazanah Bhd Chairman and Sindumin Assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusoff Yaccob said this during a meeting with the Sabah Forestry Department on Thursday, adding that the land was recently approved by the State Legislative Assembly. The land comprises a Class Two Forest Reserve, which was formerly under the concession of Sabah Forest Industries. The meeting was aimed at organising, coordinating and standardising matters related to villages already inhabited by local residents. 'This is good news for the people. The Forestry Department has agreed to release the land for the settlers, particularly for residents who have already opened and cultivated the land,' he said. The meeting also discussed gazetting areas from Long Pasia, Long Mio, Meligan, Iburu, Mendulong, Sulub, Pakiak, Kampung Klias Baru and several other locations deemed suitable for opening. Residents hope this decision will become a reality, ensuring that those who have already opened the land will no longer feel threatened or fear eviction. Dr Yusoff said this is the Chief Minister's intention to listen to and fulfil the wishes of rural residents in need of land. Also present were Forest Resource Management Division Chief Azman Said, Sipitang District Forestry Officer Andrew Monis, Kota Kinabalu Regional Forestry Officer Mohd Nasir Ag Suman, Community Development Leader Unit representative Wendy Agung Baruh and District Chief OKK Daut Kassim. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Laman Malaysia Madani a platform to understand Madani principles and aspirations
PUTRAJAYA: Laman Malaysia Madani, a landscaped area with a national identity that projects the country's image through design elements reflecting the values of sustainability, well-being, innovation, respect, trust and compassion, was launched at the Botanical Garden here today. Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said Laman Malaysia Madani was not merely a decorative garden but also served as an educational medium for visitors to understand the principles and aspirations of Madani, including sustainability and innovation in daily life. "Laman Malaysia Madani is symbolic and a tangible manifestation of a national vision that is inclusive, sustainable and unifying. "The sturdy Madani logo sculpture in the centre of the garden represents our trust in the nation's direction. The unity mural adorning the wall symbolises mutual respect and compassion, while the country's iconic flowers express the language of love, well-being and togetherness," he said in his speech at the launch of Laman Malaysia Madani and the special publication 'Shamsul Azri: 365 Days of Upholding the Trust'. Also present were Public Service Department (PSD) director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, Federal Territories Department director-general Datuk Seri Noridah Abdul Rahim, Putrajaya Corporation (PPj) president Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud, National Institute of Public Administration (Intan) director Datuk Dr Mohd Zabri Yusoff, as well as the top leadership of the civil service. Shamsul Azri said that apart from providing a leisure space for families to relax, Laman Malaysia Madani highlighted elements of creativity and sustainability, such as benches made from recycled materials and solar-powered lighting at night. "It is clear that such initiatives are a living manifestation of Madani values, anchored in sustainability, well-being, respect, compassion, innovation and trust," he said. He said the Laman Malaysia Madani project would be expanded to 10 public parks in Putrajaya to ensure that Madanivalues were instilled widely among the community. "God willing, all these parks will have their own Madani section. "The goal is for the people to understand and practise the noble values that form the core of Madani," he said. On the special publication 'Shamsul Azri: 365 Days of Upholding the Trust' by Intan, he said it documented achievements and reflections over a year of public service reform under his leadership. "It contains a record of a journey that some may already know, but also many aspects rarely revealed to the public. "I can say that in 365 days of upholding the trust, I have learned that leadership is not just about giving instructions, but also about listening, understanding and making difficult decisions for the greater good," he said. Meanwhile, on the Public Service Premier Address (MAPPA) scheduled for this Friday at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, Shamsul Azri said about 3,000 civil servants were expected to attend the event. MAPPA will serve as an important platform to convey the government's mandate and policies to the entire civil service, as well as to strengthen spirit, commitment and unity in implementing the public service reform agenda in line with the Malaysia Madani aspirations.
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Daily Express
Plea to government to upgrade 6.8km Beaufort stretch
Published on: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 Published on: Tue, Aug 12, 2025 By: Ahmad Apong Text Size: Deteriorating condition: Residents urged the authorities to expedite upgrade of the road in question. BEAUFORT: Residents of Kampung Binunuk here urged the Government to upgrade a 6.8-kilometre stretch that was previously approved for an allocation of RM32 million, but has yet to be implemented. Resident, Ajip Usop, said he was made to understand a contractor had already been appointed for the road upgrade but years have passed without any visible sign of work being carried out. Advertisement 'A contractor came to survey the road, claiming they had secured the project. But to this day, we've never seen them return. It has been years,' he said. Ajip added that the road frequently floods, making it impassable and worsening its already deteriorating condition, riddled with potholes. He stressed that the upgrade should be expedited. 'The Public Works Department (JKR) must implement this project as soon as possible, for the comfort and safety of Kampung Binunuk residents,' he said. According to him, speaking through Daily Express is the only way to highlight their plight to the authorities, as previous appeals had been ignored by elected leaders. 'Just look at the condition of this road, how are we supposed to use it? It's full of potholes everywhere. Even vehicles owned by villagers are damaged,' he lamented. He pointed out that although the road is only 6.8 kilometres long, it has been neglected since independence, forcing the local community to continue using it out of necessity. 'Pity our children who have to walk through mud just to get to school. The same goes for our senior citizens and expectant mothers who need to get to hospital for treatment,' he said. Ajip added that many residents still use the muddy road on a daily basis, but questioned why the Government continues to overlook their suffering. 'People still brave this road, even in poor conditions. Does the Government not care about the residents who have no choice but to use it every day?' During the monsoon season, he said, the road becomes severely damaged and even cuts off access to town, making it hard for villagers to buy food and essential supplies. In emergencies, he added, damaged roads could delay the arrival of fire and rescue teams, putting lives and property at even greater risk. 'It would be in the best interest of everyone if the Government upgrades this road to ensure safer and easier access for all residents,' he said. Ajip appealed to Lumadan Assemblyman Datuk Ruslan Muharam, who is also Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and Sipitang Member of Parliament Datuk Matbali Musah to take this issue seriously. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
