KK & Sabah News Flash

Non-Payment to Water Department Contractors Affecting Water Supply

A number of Water Department contractors at Sandakan have stopped rendering services, citing non-payment by the department for several months already.  This was announced by DAP Sabah chief Stephen Wong at a press conference Saturday.  Only one contractor had decided to continue working but this will still affect the supply to the district.  Residents in high-rise establishments are already complaining of low water supply pressure.

Wong was able to call the Water Department and was informed that they are short of staff.  He attributed this to the problems on money matters that the department experienced last year.  He also urged the department and Deputy Chief Minister cum Infrastructure Development Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan to resolve this matter as early as they can for this situation is unfair for the contractors and the public. A steady water supply is one of the pillars of a functioning economy,

Sabah Still Not Out of Danger on Tuberculosis

Dr Richard Avoi, Sabah State Health Department (TB/Leprosy) principal assistant, said that Sabah is still threatened with tuberculosis, citing that about 60% of the 10,000 people who were screened last year had symptoms of this deadly disease.

Key factors to fight off this situation are general public awareness and early detection.  Dr Richard is encouraging people, including foreigners, who have chronic and prolonged cough for more than two weeks to come forward for checkup.  There is free medication, regardless of nationality and status, with RM350 to RM400 under the Tuberculosis Allowance Scheme.

Dr Richard further said that the health department faces a big challenge with the illegal immigrants who cannot complete the six-month treatment due to their status.

CM Hopes Sabah to Continue as Model of Unity

In his message in conjunction with Aidilfitri on Monday, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said that respect for one another continues to exist in the state even with diverse cultures, ethnicities ad religious affiliations.  Moderation and mutual respect are key elements to face challenges, including threats to security.  He believes that development and progress can be realized amidst diversity and he hopes that people will always look at Sabah as a model of solidarity and harmony.

He also said that the state leadership is doing its best to bring about development in Sabah with the well-being of the people in mind.  They are closely coordinating with the federal government and the private sector for building up major industries in oil and gas, agriculture, tourism and human capital development for employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, citing the Sabah Development Corridor and Economic Transformation Program and the 11^th Malaysia Plan.

He also issued a call to civil servants and relevant state agencies to ensure the successful implementation of the state’s development agenda for grassroots development.  He also expressed his gratitude to the security forces at the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).