5 days ago
Road projects in Tuaran must be prioritised for people's benefit
During the oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat on 22 July 2025, Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau raised an important concern regarding the status of several road upgrading projects in the Kiulu and Tamparuli areas. The matter was directed to the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) during the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Fifteenth Parliament.
Among the key projects highlighted by the Member of Parliament for Tuaran were:
1. Topokon to Wangkod to Tinuhan Road
2. Guakon Baru Road, Tamparuli
Madius expressed his deep disappointment when informed that these two road projects, despite their clear importance, were not approved by the Ministry of Economy under the Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12 RP3) 2023. In addition, they were not listed among the priorities of the Sabah State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN).
He stressed that these projects are vital to enhancing rural connectivity and improving the socio-economic well-being of local communities. In this regard, he called on the relevant ministries and agencies to resolve the technical issues promptly and to advocate for the reconsideration and approval of these proposals.
As a native of Tuaran and someone who knows these areas well, I fully support Madius's position. The roads he mentioned are more than just infrastructure; they are essential links that support local development, daily movement, and access to basic services.
These roads urgently need to be upgraded, and in certain stretches, a realignment or detour of the existing road alignment is necessary to ensure proper construction that meets safety and accessibility standards.
It is regrettable that such critical projects have been excluded from UPEN Sabah's list of priorities. These are not optional enhancements but real necessities that must be addressed urgently. The people affected by these road conditions have waited long enough.
In conclusion, I commend Madius for his steadfast efforts to raise this matter in Parliament. I sincerely hope that the relevant authorities will give these projects the urgent attention they deserve for the benefit of the people of Tuaran and the surrounding areas.
