Kota Kinabalu: Bongawan Assemblyman Dr Daud Yusof has called on the State Government to move beyond policy proposals and ensure that commitments outlined in the Head of State’s address are translated into tangible improvements on the ground.
Participating in the debate on the policy speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting on Monday, he stressed that development initiatives must prioritise the welfare of the people through inclusive and balanced progress between urban and rural areas.
While expressing appreciation for the policy speech delivered by Musa Aman, Dr Daud drew attention to persistent challenges faced by communities in Bongawan and the Kimanis district.
He said the development gap between regions remains significant and requires focused intervention to ensure no area is left behind.
Among the most pressing concerns, he highlighted recurring floods affecting several villages, which he attributed to poorly maintained and outdated drainage systems.
He said clogged and shallow drains frequently overflow during heavy rain, causing damage to homes and disrupting daily life.
Dr Daud urged the Government to outline immediate measures to address the issue, including maintenance of existing drainage systems and allocations for upgrades in high-risk areas.
“The people no longer want promises, they want concrete action,” he said, proposing that drains be widened and deepened alongside the construction of more efficient systems.
He also raised concerns over the condition of rural roads, describing them as potholed, uneven and hazardous, particularly at night. He called on the Government to identify which roads are slated for upgrades and to present a long-term plan to rehabilitate the rural road network.
Water supply issues were another key concern, with some residents relying on water tanks or alternative sources due to prolonged disruptions. Dr Daud sought clarification on both short- and long-term solutions, including the status of water treatment facilities and pipeline upgrades.
Electricity supply in rural areas, he added, remains unstable, with frequent outages affecting daily activities, small businesses and students. He urged the Government to detail efforts to improve reliability in affected areas.
On economic development, Dr Daud expressed concern over limited job opportunities in rural areas, which he said have forced many young people to migrate to urban centres.
He proposed the expansion of small and medium enterprises, alongside skills training and incentives to attract investment into rural communities.
He also called for improvements in the distribution of aid to the B40 group, urging greater transparency and more effective monitoring to address complaints of unfairness.
He suggested that eligibility systems be refined and data updated regularly to ensure assistance reaches those in need.
Housing demand was also highlighted, with Dr Daud noting a growing number of applications for Rumah Mesra SMJ units in Bongawan. He urged the Government to disclose approval figures and selection criteria to help expedite the implementation of such projects.
In the agricultural sector, he proposed increased subsidies and support for modern farming technologies to help smallholders expand their market access.
He further stressed that reliable internet access is now a necessity, not a luxury, yet many areas in Bongawan and Kimanis continue to experience weak coverage and frequent disruptions.
This, he said, affects students engaged in online learning as well as small businesses reliant on digital platforms.
“The people in Bongawan are not asking for the extraordinary. They simply want good infrastructure, stable basic supplies and better life opportunities,” he said.
