TANJONG Datu assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan said a total of eight projects in his constituency have been labelled as ‘critically delayed’.
According to him, these projects implemented by various state and federal departments and agencies, have faced issues such as shortage of workers, insufficient project capital, unpredictable weather conditions, lack of monitoring, and poor performance by contractors.
“I would like to know what the procedure is for the management of ‘sick projects’ and how to overcome the issues,” said Azizul during his debate at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Azizul added that lengthy processes have further delayed the completion of these projects, reflecting a negative image of the government and poor implementation of project development. He proposed streamlining certain procedures and levels of processes, as long as they comply with relevant laws and regulations, to expedite project management and implementation.
In addition to the project delays, he also highlighted the problem of coastal erosion in seaside areas. He said that analysis using Google Earth reveals significant erosion in areas such as Batang Rambungan, Sampadi Coastal area, Kampung Belungei, and Telok Melano beach from 1984 to 2022, with an annual erosion rate of approximately two to three metres.
“Without mitigation action, most of the coastal areas in my constituency will be swept away by the sea within the next 10 to 15 years,” Azizul cautioned, urging the state government to address the issue and develop necessary preventive measures.
Addressing the issue of climate change, Azizul pointed out that Tanjong Datu possesses a large Mangrove Forest Reserve spanning 3,582 hectares near the seaside areas, from Sungai Limo to Batang Kayan. He proposed promoting this reserve as a Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) project, aligning with Sarawak’s vision for a green economy.
Azizul said that 2016, which coincided with a strong El Nino, marked the hottest year on record globally. He emphasised that climate change has led to extreme temperatures, even in years without El Nino. The past eight years have consecutively been the hottest on record, reflecting a long-term warming trend driven by greenhouse gas emissions.
“Therefore, Tanjong Datu can become a catalyst in climate change and be managed sustainably for sustainable development,” Azizul concluded
