Kota Kinabalu: The Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (Acem) Sabah Branch reinforced its role as a key technical partner to the State by presenting a formal memorandum to Deputy Chief Minister I cum Works and Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Friday.
A delegation, led by Acem Sabah Chairman Ir. Benny Song and accompanied by Honorary Secretary Datuk Ir Ts Dr Amarjit Singh, executive committee members Ir Tan Koh Yon and Ir Mohd. Arzahri, and past chairmen Ir Ts Tan KJ and Ir Lee Tet Fon, highlighted the Association’s commitment to supporting Sabah’s physical and infrastructural development.
Benny presented key recommendations, starting with a proposed “Sabah First Policy” aimed at prioritising Sabah-registered Engineering Consultancy Practices (ECPs) for both Federal and State-funded projects.
The policy is designed to ensure project fees remain in the local economy while leveraging the specialised technical expertise of Sabah-based engineers.
Addressing traffic congestion in the capital, Acem Sabah offered a dedicated technical working group to assist in developing a comprehensive Public Transport Masterplan, seeking modern and sustainable engineering solutions.
The Association also proposed forming a joint JKR-Acem task force to draft and standardise Sabah Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) Guidelines, ensuring future traffic growth is managed with scientific and consistent benchmarks.
Discussions also included enhancing administrative efficiency through Koridor Utiliti Sabah (KUS). Acem sought clarification on workflows between the Ministry and KUS to ensure the “One-Stop Agency” concept effectively reduces bureaucracy and accelerates utility approvals for critical engineering projects.
In closing, Song emphasised that close collaboration between the Ministry and local professionals can accelerate the implementation of the “Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0” development agenda.
The Association expressed appreciation to the Deputy Chief Minister for his time and support in advancing Sabah’s infrastructural progress.
