SABAR proposes 117 citizen-led recommendations to Sabah government, focusing on roads, water supply and maintenance culture.
KOTA KINABALU: A non-partisan body has submitted 117 actionable recommendations to the Sabah government to address critical gaps in the state’s basic infrastructure.
The Sabah Action Body Advocating Rights (SABAR) said the proposals focus on road connectivity, sustainable water management and fostering a robust maintenance culture.
Its chairman Datuk Zainie Abdul Aucasa said the “Voices for Action” Public Infrastructure Report is the result of a year-long, citizen-driven initiative.
“Our findings indicate that Sabahans are calling for evidence-based interventions and greater transparency in project planning,” he said in a statement.
He added that the group is providing a professional roadmap derived from the lived experiences of rural and urban communities.
Earlier, a SABAR delegation presented the report to Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also the state Works Minister.
Key highlights included strategies to improve four-wheel drive access for teachers and healthcare workers in interior regions.
Recommendations to mitigate illegal water tapping and upgrade aging distribution networks were also presented.
The proposals advocate for transparency through open consultative planning for major projects like the Pan Borneo Highway.
Zainie said Joachim welcomed the report and expressed the ministry’s commitment to incorporating the feedback.
“The ministry and SABAR have also agreed to monitor the implementation of these citizen-led recommendations,” he added.
