SIBU: A state opposition politician has questioned the federal government for installing lifts at Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) stations in Malaya which only benefited people there.
“Why are lifts for KTM stations in Malaya considered important when Sabahans and Sarawakians are still crossing rivers infested by crocodiles by boats and some by “sky lifts” (bamboo bridges)?
“People have to walk through the jungles and muddy roads before being able to reach some towns and villages. The quality of roads is also wanting and many met accidents on the road,” said Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan.
He called on the federal government to prioritise the needs of Sabah and Sarawak.
“It is only after much noise by citizens in Sabah and Sarawak that the voices of Sabahans and Sarawakians were heard,” he said in a statement here today.
Voon pointed out that Sarawak like other states in Malaya also faced severe floods in the past weeks, however only states in Malaya were given attention to flood problems by the federal government.
“Johor received RM50 million allocation to help the flood victims. What did Sarawak get?” he asked.
For the record, under Budget 2023, the federal government demonstrated its commitment towards strengthening development and infrastructure in both Sabah and Sarawak.
For example, the two states received an allocation of RM20 billion to continue and expedite the implementation process of the Pan Borneo Sabah Highway and Pan Borneo Sarawak Highway, as well as the 1,000km Sabah-Sarawak Link Road.
The budget also focused on the main Sabah-Sarawak road project along the border.
