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Borneo Post
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Bersatu distorted facts over Banggi solar project - MP
Suhaimi KOTA KINABALU (May 27): Libaran Member of Parliament Datuk Suhaimi Nasir has slammed Sabah Bersatu for politicising the hybrid solar energy project on Banggi Island, accusing the party of distorting facts to gain 'cheap political mileage.' In response to recent claims by Bersatu Sabah Women chief Rahimah Majid who demanded clarification from Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on the project, Suhaimi said her accusations were baseless, misleading and ignored the actual circumstances surrounding the project. 'Her allegations are not grounded in facts and are sensational in tone. They not only confuse the public but also expose Bersatu's lack of understanding regarding the technical details of the project,' Suhaimi said in a statement on Tuesday. Suhaimi clarified that the Rural Electrification Supply Project (BELB) for a hybrid solar system on Banggi Island had in fact been fully completed in 2015, long before Zahid assumed leadership of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW). 'The project was handed over to Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) for operation and maintenance. Any technical problems after the handover fall under SESB's responsibility — not KKDW's,' he stressed. He also noted that the villages named by Rahimah, Kampung Selamat, Pulau Tigabu and Pulau Balambangan, fall under a separate ongoing project: the Hybrid Solar System for Remote Islands of Sabah, which is currently 85% completed, with a delay of 349 days or 15 percent behind schedule. 'The KKDW Technical Division is in the process of terminating the contractor due to failure to meet both deadlines and standards. A follow-up site inspection is scheduled for June 16, 2025. This shows the government is taking clear and transparent action,' he said. Suhaimi also took issue with Rahimah's claim that the project was launched with great fanfare but later abandoned. 'That's a deliberate attempt to create a false narrative to distract from the real issue — the inefficiencies of the current state administration under GRS, which once included Bersatu,' he said. He further pointed out that the very projects now being criticised were initiated during Bersatu's own time in government. 'It is ironic. They inherited and implemented these projects, but now they want to blame others. This is not only irresponsible, but a complete embarrassment in terms of political integrity,' he added. Calling on Bersatu Sabah to stop 'barking from the sidelines,' Suhaimi urged the party to engage constructively and 'step into the arena to solve actual problems.' 'Sabahans are smart enough to see through political gimmicks. They know who delivers and who disappears when responsibility needs to be carried,' he said. 'Politics should be based on facts, not slander.' The Banggi Island solar project has recently drawn public scrutiny following concerns about delays and implementation setbacks in several remote villages. Suhaimi's remarks come as the federal government continues to monitor and enforce project accountability across rural Sabah.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Banggi solar project completed in 2015, says Sabah Umno leader
KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah Umno leader has refuted claims by Bersatu regarding stalled solar projects in Pulau Banggi, labelling them misleading and politically motivated. Sabah Umno information chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir said the accusation by Sabah Bersatu women's chief Rahimah Majid showed a lack of understanding about the project's implementation. "This project was fully completed in 2015, long before Zahid (Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) led the Rural and Regional Development Ministry,' Suhaimi said in a statement. Concerns were raised last Saturday (May 24) over stalled hybrid solar projects in Pulau Banggi, which remained incomplete years after their launch. Rahimah urged the Federal Government to explain the delay, stating that the failure has dashed residents' hopes of reliable electricity. Accessible by a ferry ride of over one hour from Kudat, the island hosts many coastal villages facing challenges accessing electricity and clean water. Suhaimi, also the Libaran MP, said the Rural Electricity Supply (BELB) Hybrid Solar Project was handed over to Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) for operation and maintenance. He added that any technical issues since then fall under SESB's jurisdiction and said that the the villages mentioned by Rahimah—Kampung Selamat, Pulau Tigabu and Pulau Balambangan — are part of a separate initiative. This project, Hybrid Solar System Project for Remote Islands in Sabah, is 85% complete, with a 15% delay from the original timeline. "The ministry's technical division is terminating the contractor for failing to meet deadlines and standards," he said, noting a site visit is scheduled for June 16. "This shows the government is taking firm and transparent action on the delay." He said Rahimah's claim that the project was launched "in grand fashion" but is now abandoned was a baseless attempt to twist public perception. "What's ironic is this was a legacy project from their own time in government. Now they point fingers at others," he said. Suhaimi said Bersatu Sabah should stop acting like "a frustrated commentator barking from the sidelines" and focus on real solutions. "Sabahans are wise enough to judge who walks the talk and who only makes promises when in power, then disappears when it's time to deliver," he added.
Daily Express
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Bersatu demands Zahid explain
Published on: Monday, May 26, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 26, 2025 Text Size: Rahimah (left) raised doubts over recent promises by the Umno President (right) to resolve Sabah's infrastructure problems if Umno and Barisan Nasional are again given the chance to administer Sabah in the coming State election. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Bersatu wants the Federal Government, especially Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, to explain the status of the hybrid solar power projects in Pulau Banggi, which were launched with much fanfare years ago but are now left abandoned. Its Wanita Chief Rahimah Majid raised doubts over recent promises by the Umno President to resolve Sabah's infrastructure problems if Umno and Barisan Nasional are again given the chance to administer Sabah in the coming State election. She said it is ironic for these assurances to come from a leader whose own Ministry of Rural and Regional Development was responsible for these failed projects that ware meant to bring electricity to remote villages in Pulau Banggi. 'Despite years of promises, these important projects remain incomplete, leaving the people of Banggi without reliable electricity, a basic need they have waited for far too long,' she said. The solar power projects, initiated between 2017 and 2018, were supposed to provide power to Pulau Tanjung Manawali, Pulau Tigabu, Kampung Kok Simpul and Kampung Selamat in Pulau Balambangan. However, today all that is left are deteriorating equipment, raising concerns about the millions of ringgit in tax payers' money having gone to waste. Advertisement 'After more than 60 years of independence, these communities still live in darkness. How much longer must they wait? she asked. Bersatu wants full transparency on the status of the projects, an explanation for the delays, and a clear action plan to ensure completion from Zahid. 'Why were these projects abandoned? Who is accountable? The people of Banggi want answers, not more empty promises about development,' she said. She also called for stricter oversight to prevent similar failures in the future and contractors to be held responsible for delays. 'If the Federal Government is serious about developing Sabah, it must prove it by finishing what it started. 'Continued neglect only deepens the suffering of rural communities,' she added. * 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
Daily Express
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah Bersatu demands answers over abandoned Pulau Banggi solar projects
Published on: Saturday, May 24, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 24, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Bersatu has slammed the government over the apparent abandonment of hybrid solar projects in Pulau Banggi, despite years of promises and public funds being spent. Bersatu Sabah Women's Chief, Rahimah Majid, said the projects initiated between 2017 and 2018 under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) headed by Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamid remain incomplete, with no clear explanation given. 'These projects were supposed to bring electricity to Pulau Tanjung Manawali, Pulau Tigabu, Kampung Kok Simpul, and Kampung Selamat, yet they lie in neglect while equipment deteriorates and villagers remain in the dark,' she said after a recent visit. Advertisement Rahimah criticised Zahid's recent remarks on Sabah's infrastructure, calling them hollow in light of these long-standing failures. 'This is more than mismanagement, it's a betrayal of the rural communities' basic right to electricity. "We demand full disclosure on project status, funding use, and contractor accountability," she said. Rahimah called for urgent government action, stressing that continued delays only prove how long Banggi residents have been sidelined. * 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 Sun
22-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Call for legislation to protect ageing population
PETALING JAYA: As Malaysia's elderly population continues to grow rapidly, experts are urging the government to introduce a Senior Citizen Act, warning that older adults remain vulnerable under a healthcare system already strained by a severe shortage of geriatric specialists. Universiti Putra Malaysia's Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing director Assoc Prof Dr Rahimah Ibrahim said the absence of comprehensive legislation has led to weak accountability and increasing vulnerability among the elderly. Rahimah highlighted the critical shortage of geriatricians as one of the most pressing issues. 'As of 2024, there are only 60 such specialists nationwide. With Malaysia projected to have 5.49 million elderly citizens by 2030, we would need at least 549 geriatricians to meet the ideal ratio of one per 10,000 seniors. 'Currently, we're producing just eight geriatricians a year. That will only bring the total to 108 by 2030, far below what's needed,' she said. She explained that Malaysia's ageing population faces a range of challenges, including limited access to healthcare, weakening family support structures and increasing financial insecurity. Noting a rise in elderly abandonment cases at hospitals and care homes, Rahimah said such incidents are often the result of urban migration, dual-income household pressures and the erosion of traditional family support systems. She also referenced Employees Provident Fund data from October 2024, which showed that only 36% of active members met the Basic Savings threshold of RM240,000 by age 55, raising concerns about retirees' ability to support themselves. Universiti Teknologi Mara senior lecturer Dr Nur Amalina Aziz echoed these concerns, observing that elderly individuals are increasingly being left at hospitals and welfare homes, sometimes permanently. 'When contacted, these families are often unreachable. Abandonment is frequently due to a lack of family support, financial hardship, strained relationships or disputes,' she explained. Amalina, who also researches issues affecting older persons, stressed the urgent need for legislation that explicitly protects senior citizens from neglect and abuse. 'The law must include clear obligations, mandatory reporting procedures and definitions of abuse, neglect and abandonment. 'It should also provide emergency shelters, professional medical support, a dedicated helpline and a one-stop agency for the protection of older persons,' she noted. She pointed out that although Malaysia introduced the National Policy for Older Persons in 1995 and revised it in 2011, there is still no specific law prioritising the needs of senior citizens. 'Many rural areas lack proper facilities. Attention and resources remain concentrated in urban zones, leaving many older people underserved and at risk. 'The rights of the elderly are often generalised in existing policies, without tailored approaches to address their unique needs,' she added. Amalina highlighted Japan and Singapore as models in addressing the challenges of an ageing population. 'Japan's Elder Abuse Prevention Act and Employment Stabilisation Act help prevent mistreatment and promote job opportunities for older individuals. 'Singapore introduced the Vulnerable Adults Act in 2018 to protect those, especially seniors, who are physically or mentally unable to care for themselves. 'Both countries go beyond welfare. They focus on freedom from abuse, financial security and access to lifelong learning and employment opportunities.' She emphasised that older Malaysians are not a burden and should be empowered to live independently, remain active and feel included in society. 'Older people have given so much to the country, yet many now feel unsafe and unsupported at home. 'Family and community support are key to preventing elder abandonment, but families need proper training to care for their ageing loved ones,' she said. 'With the right knowledge, they can give better, more respectful care. Many elderly victims stay silent due to poor health or fear of losing their career, which is why public awareness and mandatory reporting are so important.'
