Tenom: Six youths whose motorcycles were damaged earlier this week in trying to stop a runaway train plying between Tenom and Pangi
(pic below) received replacements as promised by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.
State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, who is also Melalap Assemblyman, handed them over to Sarudi Siden, Julintoh Landan, Lewi Rani, Mike Yulon, Leinto Landan and Tunih Rani.
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He said it is to thank them and ensure they get to continue their daily activities and earn a living despite living in areas with limited accessibility.
“This contribution was conveyed through me by the Chief Minister. It reflects his concern for the welfare of people living in rural areas,” he said.
Jamawi said the route between Kg Pangi and Tenom town is frequently disrupted, especially during the rainy or monsoon season, making travel difficult for residents.
In certain situations, villagers have to walk up to six hours to reach Tenom town when the route is unusable.
“Whenever it rains or during the monsoon season, the route is badly affected. For three to four months without proper access, residents have to walk from Kg Pangi to Tenom town.
“These are the hardships they face and this is understood by the Chief Minister,” he said.
Jamawi said the State Government has instructed the Sabah Public Works Department (PWD) to expedite the construction of a road linking Tenom and Kg Pangi.
Jamawi recently led a delegation of Kg Pangi leaders to meet Sabah PWD Director Datuk Ir. Philemon Lajawai for an update on the Tenom-Pangi road project measuring about 9.2km.
“The appointed consultant is expected to complete the preparatory work by May,” he said, adding the project is expected to take three to four years.
During that period, residents would still require alternative transport for daily activities and cannot rely solely on the existing train service.
Jamawi said interior communities continue to show strong determination to improve their lives and support their families despite infrastructure constraints.
“Although they live in remote areas inaccessible by road, they still have the initiative to progress and help their families,” he said.
