Latest news with #Bung
Daily Express
6 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Bung calls for transparency on use of LPG cylinders
Published on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 10, 2025 Text Size: Bung claimed that small food business operators in Sabah are now anxious and uncertain about the enforcement move, attributing the concern to a lack of clear and comprehensive information regarding the operation. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Umno Chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin urged the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to demonstrate greater transparency in the enforcement of its Ops Gasak operation, particularly concerning the mandatory use of commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders by food premises. 'This is crucial to ensure that any weaknesses or confusion are not hidden but instead addressed openly and responsibly,' he said in a statement. Advertisement Bung claimed that small food business operators in Sabah are now anxious and uncertain about the enforcement move, attributing the concern to a lack of clear and comprehensive information regarding the operation. 'The people of Sabah, especially small traders in the food sector, are uneasy with KPDN's directive requiring the use of commercial LPG cylinders. 'The confusion stems from the lack of detailed explanation, which has led to misunderstandings and anxiety among small food operators,' he said. He urged KPDN to adopt a more inclusive and trader-friendly approach, while also calling on the State Government to be proactive in explaining the matter to the public. 'It is the State Government's responsibility to provide complete information and assist small traders in applying for the Scheduled Controlled Goods Permit (PBKB). 'Such efforts will not only strengthen compliance with regulations but also protect the survival of small businesses, which are the backbone of the local economy,' he said. He added that if the government deems the use of domestic cooking gas unsuitable for certain food premises, then guidelines and implementation conditions must be clearly and transparently communicated. 'There must be a balance between enforcement and consideration of on-the-ground realities. That balance is the foundation of administrative efficiency and public well-being. 'I call on all relevant parties to demonstrate stronger commitment to addressing this issue comprehensively, fairly, and prudently,' Bung said. * 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
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Bung Moktar calls for more inclusive implementation of People's Income Initiative
Bung during his recent visit to Tawau Market. KOTA KINABALU (June 6): Kinabatangan Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has raised concerns over the implementation of the People's Income Initiative (IPR), saying it remains inadequate in addressing the pressing needs of rural communities in Sabah. He pointed out that although the IPR is a key policy under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and was well-intended, its on-ground execution in the state's interior has yet to reach the level needed to make meaningful impact. 'Sabah's hardcore poverty rate stands at 1.2 per cent, six times higher than the national average of 0.2 per cent. This is not just a statistic, but a stark indicator of the developmental gap that persists,' he said in a statement today, after visiting Tawau Market recently. Bung stressed that many Sabahans, particularly single mothers, the elderly and youth in rural areas, continue to live in hardship due to limited access to opportunities and targeted assistance. He urged the Ministry of Economy to restructure the delivery of the IPR so that it becomes more inclusive and better aligned with the unique realities faced by Sabah's rural population. He also proposed that in-person outreach initiatives be prioritised, involving physical engagements at community halls, schools, places of worship and other grassroots centres, in close collaboration with village heads, the Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) and local NGOs. 'The government must go to the people, not the other way round,' he said. Bung added that federal policies like the IPR must be tailored to reflect the actual context of communities on the ground, taking into account geographical challenges, cultural differences and economic limitations specific to Sabah. 'It is time the government stops viewing Sabah merely as the poorest state, and instead begins recognising it as a strategic development partner capable of making a significant contribution to the nation's future,' he said. 'I believe that with a strengthened and well-targeted implementation of the IPR, Sabah can break free from the cycle of poverty and move towards a more prosperous future,' he added.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Analyst: Split votes likely without unity among Malay, Bumiputera parties in Sabah
KUALA LUMPUR: A lack of cooperation among Malay or Bumiputera political parties in Sabah may result in split votes in the upcoming state election, an analyst has said. "If Umno and GRS end up in multi-cornered fights against Parti Warisan, Pakatan Harapan and other local parties, votes will be divided, making it more difficult for any coalition to secure a stable majority," said Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Datuk Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi. He said Sabah Umno chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin's reluctance to immediately support cooperation with GRS should not necessarily be seen in a negative light. The analyst said Bung's hesitation reflected the current political landscape in Sabah, where trust, loyalty and grassroots strength remain crucial in forming a sustainable political coalition. "In this context, Bung is not outrightly rejecting collaboration, but signalling that any partnership must be based on political sincerity, fair power-sharing, and respect for Umno's role as a party that still commands considerable support among Bumiputera Muslim voters," he said. He added that Umno's history and grassroots influence further contributed to its strength. "Bung's stance simply shows that Umno deserves recognition as a strategic partner and is not a junior player in politics," he said. "For GRS, this statement serves as a reminder that forming a coalition without open dialogue, equality and mutual respect will not lead to long-term stability. "If GRS disregards Umno's voice, it risks losing access to the party's extensive grassroots network, particularly in rural areas," he added. However, the academic said the current situation also presents an opportunity for renegotiation. "Sabah Umno has the chance to push for a fairer agreement, including more balanced seat allocations and strategic positions in the state government if victorious," he said, adding that other parties also have an opportunity to build an equitable and sincere alliance with Umno.
Daily Express
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Bung demands fair road maintenance
Published on: Wednesday, June 04, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 04, 2025 Text Size: Bung said road repairs should be done based on need, not based on who the elected representative is. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Umno Chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin urged the State Government to fix damaged roads in his constituency fairly and without political bias. He said many roads in his area, including Bukit Garam, Sukau and the main route from Sandakan to Lahad Datu through Kinabatangan, are in very poor condition. Bung, who is also Kinabatangan Member of Parliament, said the roads have many potholes and are dangerous to drivers, with no repairs done so far. 'I have not seen any signs that the roads in my area will be fixed. This raises concerns that they are being left out because of politics,' he said, in a statement, Tuesday. Bung said road repairs should be done based on need, not based on who the elected representative is. He also reminded the State Government that it is its duty, through the Public Works Department (JKR), to repair and maintain roads for the safety of the public. 'When roads are not fixed, it causes a lot of problems for the people, and makes them feel like the Government does not care about their basic needs,' he said. He urged the Government to begin road repair works immediately in Kinabatangan, especially at the Bukit Garam roundabout and the junction going to Sukau. 'Don't use roads as a political tool. Everyone deserves good and safe roads, no matter who they vote for,' he said. * 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
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
War of words between GRS, Sabah BN hots up with allegations of betrayal, broken promises
KOTA KINABALU: The war of words between one-time partners Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Barisan Nasional heats up over accusations of broken promises, disloyalty and betrayal. It started when Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, on Tuesday (June 3), reiterated his unwillingness to work with GRS due to a "dark and bitter" history. He said Barisan must be extra cautious and assess GRS' sincerity before even considering working with them in the 17th state election (PRN), which can be called anytime soon. 'There's an old saying: don't get bitten by the same snake twice,' he said. However, he did not dismiss the possibility of both coalitions working together post election, but stressed that this matter can only be evaluated after the polls. His statement comes after Kota Kinabalu Umno chief Mosliati Muslimin said there was no longer room for political cooperation with GRS or Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) after "betrayals and broken promises". She claimed these betrayals started even during the 2020 state election in the form of vote-splitting tactics where independent candidates were placed in seats meant for BN candidates. She also said that Bung and Barisan had made compromises along the way, which allowed GRS to head the current state government. GRS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai hit back at Bung, calling his latest remarks arrogant and disconnected from Sabah's political reality. He said Bung was the last person who should talk about loyalty or sincerity as Bung had tried to bring down the very government he was part of, just to serve his own ambition. He dismissed Bung's claim that GRS had betrayed Barisan, describing it as a clear attempt to twist the narrative and deflect from his own actions. 'It is Bung who conspired with Warisan and PKDM in January 2023 to topple the government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor,' said Bangkuai. 'He wasn't betrayed, he was the one betraying. Even while sitting in the state Cabinet, he had no respect for his colleagues in the state government led by Hajiji as Chief Minister,' he said. He stressed that GRS has never been reliant on Umno and was fully prepared to face the upcoming state election independently while warning Bung to stop his arrogance by insinuating that GRS hard up enough to work with Umno-BN. Bangkuai also pointed out that during the political crisis, several Umno assemblymen refused to support Bung's move and instead threw their support for Hajiji, alongside Pakatan Harapan. 'If anyone needs to reflect, it's Bung. Why did even your own colleagues abandon your 'Langkah Kinabalu'? Why did PH support Hajiji, not you? The answer is obvious because the trust wasn't with you,' he said. Joniston, who is also PBS information chief, reiterated that his party would never forget the insult hurled by Bung when he once labelled PBS as "melukut di tepi gantang" (a party that is powerless and useless). 'You showed no respect for PBS or your allies, and now you expect cooperation? Don't be surprised if Sabahans continue to reject Umno like they did in other states across the Peninsula. 'Sabah isn't your political lifeline. Don't treat this state as your fallback plan,' he said, stressing that GRS is now focused on what mattered - unity, stability, and delivering for the people. Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) information chief Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan also fired back at Barisan, bringing up the 2020 state elections where Barisan allegedly had agreed to only contest in 27 seats, but fielded 41 candidates on nomination day. 'Barisan must remember they are no longer the 'big boys' in politics. Nationally, their influence has dwindled,' he said. He said for GRS and Gagasan Rakyat, the focus now was to work for the people and state as they prepare for the coming state elections. Libaran assemblyman Datuk Suhaimi Nasir, who is also Libaran Umno chief, meanwhile, reminded Bangkuai how his political career started - during Barisan's era. He said Bangkuai and PBS should not talk about loyalty when history clearly showed otherwise. 'PBS left Barisan a day before the 1990 election and returned to Barisan in 2002, before leaving again in 2018 after Barisan lost in the state election,' he said, adding that PBS were opportunists, seeking a safe space instead of fighting for principles and rights. 'Today you say that you reject Barisan-Umno based on principles, but in the past, you stood in the front line to welcome Barisan when they won elections,' Suhaimi said. He also advised Bangkuai and his party members to not take "loyalty" as a joke because if they were loyalists, they would not have left and returned repeatedly over the years.
