Justin says Tawau overlooked; seeks equal infrastructure development
Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025
By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: Justin also raised concerns about the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) requiring businesses with valid generator licenses to pay extra fees and resubmit paperwork, despite the ECoS Chief Executive Officer saying that reapplication was not necessary. Kota Kinabalu: Sri Tanjong Assemblyman Justin Wong wants fairer treatment for Tawau, which he says deserves better roads, flood mitigations and basic services. 'Why do we always hear about flyover projects and upgrade projects only in Kota Kinabalu. I am not jealous of Kota Kinabalu, but I am asking for a better treatment for Tawau,' Justin said when debating the Supplementary Supply Bill 2025, Monday. 'The people of Tawau are Sabahans too, they are also Malaysians and they will also vote in the upcoming elections.' He is particularly upset about Jalan Sin Onn, which needs to be widened to handle heavy traffic. 'I once again request the government to upgrade the road to a dual carriageway so that people in Tawau do not have to suffer so much with traffic congestion,' he said. The government's current plan is to build two roundabouts instead of widening the road, but Justin thinks this is a terrible idea due to safety concerns, especially with a nearby school and heavy machinery accessing factories. 'Government officials could not promise that the roundabouts would solve the traffic problems, while some residents say they might have to wait another 10 years for proper road upgrades,' he said. He also pointed out the ongoing flood situation in Tawau, citing floods that occurred just two days earlier. 'The flood issue has been dragging on for a long time. I have raised this issue in this assembly many times over the past five years since I became a people's representative in 2020 but there appears to be no improvement. 'Floods is among obstacles to future development and the welfare of the people. Businesses do not want to take risks to invest in areas that are frequently hit by floods,' he said. Additionally, he pointed out abandoned projects and maintenance issues in Tawau, citing the flood mitigation plan for Sungai Tawau announced in 2019 that has been abandoned without clear explanation. 'A RM7.5 million flood gate completed in January near the main market remains unused due to unpaid electricity bills. 'This Tidal Gate has been completed and has been approved by the Tawau Municipal Council, but due to the failure to settle the electricity bill, the Tidal Gate cannot be used. 'What kind of planning is this that does not make sense? Why does the government take so long to resolve this Consumer Contribution Charge?' he said. 'Contractors for cleaning and maintaining drains, especially on Jalan Sin Onn and Jalan Timur, have not been hired since October last year, leaving drains clogged and contributing to flooding,' he added. Justin also raised concerns about the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) requiring businesses with valid generator licenses to pay extra fees and resubmit paperwork, despite the ECoS Chief Executive Officer saying that reapplication was not necessary. 'One company with a valid license until December 6, 2027, is still required to resubmit existing drawings to ECoS for verification, resulting in additional charges including RM4,000 to the competent person,' he said. 'The head of ECoS had publicly said people with existing licenses do not need to reapply, but the contractors ECoS hired are telling businesses the opposite. 'If the ECoS CEO already said no need to reapply, why are their appointed contractors doing the opposite? This explanation is important to clarify things so that users do not become victims due to confusing information. 'As an opposition member, I criticise for the sake of Sabah's progress, not for the sake of objection,' Justin said, adding that he hopes government representatives do not take his criticism personally. * 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.
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