KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan wants the federal government to channel more fundings for major developments in Sabah to help resolve the worsening flood problem.
In a statement released here today, the Agriculture and Food Industry Minister said while the state has the power to do many things, fundings for major developments fall under the concurrent list and thus, still depending on the federal government.
“If the federal government gives us our financial rights, our revenue rights, maybe we would have enough funds to solve some of these (flood) problems.
“For example, to return 40% of Sabah’s net revenue to the state as stated in the Schedule 10, Article 112 of the Federal Constitution, collect 5% sales tax on petroleum products in Sabah, and perhaps even give us their share of 5% cash payment which they had been receiving under the Petroleum Development Act 1974.
“These extra monies would add to our capacity to deal with this (flood). Otherwise, we will forever be asking for money to solve our problems,” he said.
Jeffrey visited some of the places affected by flood following heavy downpour on Monday and received a briefing on site from the Department of Drainage and Irrigation director Jeffrey Ng.
Jeffrey said he is satisfied that works are being done to alleviate the problem with a comprehensive plan worth RM3 billion already in place.
“We need to do this comprehensively, not bits and pieces because if you do so, you will be chasing the problem rather than confronting it,” he said.
Among the areas visited was Tenghilan town, about 55km from Kota Kinabalu, which had been hit hard by the Monday flood.
Shopowners were seen still struggling to clean their respective shops after water rose almost three feet in some areas.
Jeffrey said this was the second time the town was flooded this month and department officers would be investigating the source upstream to find out the course.
“The villagers were really affected by this. They lost their businesses; some of their electrical appliances were damaged. They didn’t tell me how much losses they have incurred. But I pity them because even now, they still cannot run their businesses properly as they are still busy cleaning up,” he said.-pr/BNN
