Kota Kinabalu: Sabahans are demanding concrete action on the state’s crumbling infrastructure, and their voices were formally delivered to the government.
A delegation from the Sabah Action Body Advocating Rights (Sabar) briefed Deputy Chief Minister I and Minister of Works and Utilities Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam on the “Voices to Action” Public Infrastructure Report, a citizen-driven roadmap containing 117 actionable recommendations.
The report is the result of a year-long effort engaging thousands of Sabahans, from urban centres to rural interior communities.
Sabar Chairman Datuk Zainie Abdul Aucasa said the findings make it clear: citizens expect results, not slogans.
“Our communities are tired of promises that do not reach them. This report is evidence-based, practical, and designed to ensure every ringgit spent delivers real impact for Sabahans,” Zainie said.
He noted that key priorities highlighted in the briefing include improving rural road access for teachers and healthcare workers, strengthening water security by tackling illegal tapping and upgrading aging networks, and promoting transparent planning for major projects, including future phases of the Pan Borneo Highway.
Responding to the briefing, Joachim welcomed the report and pledged that the Ministry will integrate professional and citizen feedback into the 2026 development agenda.
Both parties agreed to maintain an ongoing consultative channel to track implementation.
The briefing underscores a growing trend in Sabah: citizens moving from complaints to actionable solutions, demanding accountability, and shaping the state’s future infrastructure policies.
