Kota Kinabalu: Tanjung Aru Assemblyman, Datuk Wong Hong Jun, has urged the Sabah Government to take immediate and coordinated action to address long-standing infrastructure, environmental and cost-of-living issues affecting residents.
He said Tanjung Aru Beach must be better protected following complaints of polluted water flowing into the sea, which he said was affecting environmental quality and the area’s image.
“This issue involves several government departments and agencies and requires a holistic, integrated and effective solution from the government to address sewage overflow and wastewater discharge into Tanjung Aru Beach,” he said when debating the State Government policy speech at the State Legislative Assembly.
Wong also highlighted persistent traffic congestion in Tanjung Aru, particularly during weekends, holidays and festive seasons, and proposed measures including one-way routes, designated parking zones, multi-storey parking facilities and improved public transport.
On infrastructure spending, he raised concern over an approved RM300,000 allocation for bridge repairs in Kampung Selamat, Pulau Gaya, noting that the bridge had already been repaired through community efforts and his office. He suggested reallocating the funds to other urgent needs, including upgrading walkways or constructing a safer jetty.
He said Pulau Gaya, with about 4,558 registered residents, should have fair access to basic infrastructure.
“In principle, social justice demands that island communities also enjoy safe and adequate basic facilities,” he said.
Wong also proposed a dedicated passenger jetty in Pulau Gaya to improve safety and facilitate movement, and suggested opening the DBKK tourism jetty in Kota Kinabalu to the public.
He further highlighted the shortage of parking spaces in Tanjung Aru town and called for a review of taxi parking zones to better meet public demand.
He also raised concerns over infrastructure deficiencies in state religious schools in his constituency, including dilapidated buildings and classroom shortages, and called for special allocations and long-term planning.
On utilities, Wong criticised the 15 per cent electricity tariff increase by Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd, saying it was implemented despite ongoing power supply disruptions.
He called for a performance-based accountability framework and disclosure of impact assessments on households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
He noted that Sarawak Energy had provided a 25 per cent electricity discount to more than 700,000 domestic users.
“The increase in electricity bills in reality exceeds 15 per cent and can reach up to 40 per cent,” he said.
Wong also urged clarification on restrictions on the import of koi and goldfish, saying the move had affected Sabah’s ornamental fish industry.
He said SMEs are facing rising costs, including logistics, electricity tariffs, sales and service tax (SST) and e-invoicing implementation, and proposed raising the e-invoicing threshold to RM2 million as well as considering SST exemptions on commercial rentals.
“If SMEs collapse, Sabah’s economy will collapse from the ground up,” he said.
On global risks, he said geopolitical tensions, including potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, could affect fuel prices and supply chains, and called for a clearer state energy security plan.
He added that development planning must prioritise the needs of all communities.
