FridayOL

KOTA KINABALU – For over two decades, Sabah has been a significant exporter of timber, generating an impressive RM5.3 billion in revenue. Yet, despite this substantial income, Sabahans continue to face persistent challenges: frequent blackouts, unreliable water supply, and deteriorating road infrastructure. This disparity has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about how the state's timber wealth has been managed.

Recently, a prominent Umno representative voiced concerns, questioning the Sabah state government's handling of these funds. The representative highlighted the stark contrast between Sabah's considerable timber earnings and the everyday struggles faced by its residents. “It’s baffling,” he stated. “We’re talking about billions of ringgits, yet basic amenities remain a luxury for many Sabahans.”

The issue isn't merely about a lack of investment. Critics argue that there's a lack of transparency and accountability in the allocation of these funds. Concerns have been raised about potential mismanagement, corruption, or a prioritization of projects that don't directly benefit the people.

The Persistent Problems: A Glimpse into Sabahans' Daily Lives

The problems are widespread and impact daily life across Sabah:

• Blackouts: Frequent power outages disrupt businesses, schools, and homes, causing significant inconvenience and economic losses.
• Water Cuts: Unreliable water supply forces residents to rely on expensive bottled water or struggle to find alternative sources, particularly impacting rural communities.
• Poor Roads: Many roads are poorly maintained, riddled with potholes, and dangerous for drivers, hindering transportation and economic development.

These issues are not new. They have been ongoing for years, despite repeated promises from successive state governments to address them. The latest wave of criticism has intensified the pressure on the current administration to provide a clear explanation and a concrete plan of action.

Calls for Transparency & Accountability

The Umno representative’s concerns echo the sentiments of many Sabahans who feel let down by the government. There are growing calls for:

• A full audit: An independent audit of the state's timber revenue and expenditure is demanded to identify any irregularities or mismanagement.
• Increased transparency: The government needs to be more open about how funds are allocated and spent, providing regular updates to the public.
• Accountability: Those found responsible for any wrongdoing should be held accountable for their actions.

The situation in Sabah highlights a critical issue: the need for responsible governance and equitable distribution of resources. The state's timber wealth should be used to improve the lives of all Sabahans, not just a select few. Until these fundamental issues are addressed, the concerns will continue to linger, and the frustration of Sabahans will only grow.

The state government has yet to issue a comprehensive response to the criticisms, but the pressure is mounting. The coming weeks are likely to see further debate and scrutiny of Sabah's timber revenue management, with the future of the state's development hanging in the balance.