Kota Kinabalu: Karamunting Assemblyman Alex Wong Tshun Khee raised concerns over rising prices, infrastructure delays and public safety issues.
He said the increasing cost of living continues to burden Sabahans, pointing to sharp price hikes in construction materials, basic food items and transportation.
Wong said this when debating the Sabah Government’s policy speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting.
He said the price of materials such as thinner had risen from RM23-RM25, while a tray of Grade A eggs costs about RM21 in Sabah compared with RM13 in Peninsular Malaysia.
He added that logistics costs remain a key driver, noting that the rental for a 10-tonne lorry from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan had increased from RM1,800 to RM2,800 within three months.
He questioned whether the government has an effective price control mechanism, and why Sabahans continue to pay higher prices than those in the peninsula.
Wong also challenged claims that Sabah is not affected by diesel price increases in Peninsular Malaysia, saying rising prices of eggs and chicken indicate otherwise.
On the Tanah Merah market project, he expressed concern over delays, citing slow progress and a lack of workers on site during inspections.
He asked whether the project would meet its original timeline without an extension of time, and urged the government to disclose the reasons for any delays and identify those responsible.
Wong said the delays had forced small traders to relocate to temporary markets lacking basic facilities, affecting their daily income, and called for immediate measures to ease their hardship.
On public safety, he highlighted the poor condition of street lighting and roads, particularly along Jalan Cecily.
He said more than 70 per cent of the road surface is in moderate to severe condition, with potholes and uneven surfaces posing hazards to motorists.
He added that the absence of street lighting, especially along the hilly stretch, increases the risk of accidents and crime.
Wong called on the government to state when repairs to street lighting and a full upgrade of Jalan Cecily would be carried out, as well as the allocation provided and whether it is sufficient.
He also raised concerns over the condition of Sandakan Port, describing it as a key economic hub that continues to rely on ageing infrastructure.
Wong said cranes such as SPSB 2, which has been in operation for 20 years, and SPSB 7, used for nine years, highlight the need for urgent upgrades.
He cited a crane failure incident in January this year that disrupted operations, causing delays and economic losses.
Wong questioned why critical infrastructure remains outdated despite its importance to trade and investment, and urged the government to outline immediate measures and a clear timeline for upgrading works.
He said modern and reliable facilities are essential to attract investors, create jobs and ensure Sabah’s economic competitiveness.
