KOTA KINABALU, April 27, 2026 — Member of the Sabah State Assembly (ADUN) for Likas, YB Tham Yun Fook raised five key issues that he believes directly affect the people of Sabah while debating the government's policy speech in the First Meeting of the Second Session of the Sabah State Assembly.
In his debate, he emphasized that water infrastructure development cannot solely focus on increasing the capacity of treatment plants without addressing the weaknesses in the distribution system.
According to him, many underground pipes in Sabah, particularly in the Likas area, are over 30 years old and are the source of recurring leaks, treated water loss, and prolonged supply disruptions in several areas such as Taman Fantasi, Taman Ujana Sri Fantasi, Taman Cempaka, Signal Hill, Segama, Suria Sabah, Wisma Merdeka, Cyberjaya College, and the surrounding areas.
He also raised the issue of drainage systems that are allegedly often clogged and poorly maintained, leading to recurring flash floods in residential areas and schools in Likas.
Tham also revealed that he has sent a letter to meet with the Director of the Sabah Irrigation and Drainage Department to discuss these issues, but has yet to receive any feedback.
In the education sector, he stated that efforts to produce a skilled workforce would fail if the problems of dilapidated schools and lack of basic facilities continue.
He emphasized that Sabah cannot continue to fully delegate education issues to the Federal Government, given that the state still faces a high number of dilapidated schools, the urban-rural education gap, and concerning academic performance.
For example, he highlighted the situation of students at SK Balaban Jaya, Beluran, who have to study in the mosque's corridor, and students at SK Simpangan Paitan who learn in incomplete buildings after their school was affected by severe flooding.
On the issue of scholarships, he urged the state government to ensure that scholarship offerings are aligned with the future workforce needs of Sabah, particularly in the fields of health, engineering, carbon management, renewable energy, education, artificial intelligence (AI), blue economy, and green economy.
He also raised complaints from students who claimed they have not yet received scholarship payments despite approvals being granted.
According to him, the delays put significant pressure on students, especially from low-income families, and need to be resolved immediately.
Touching on the cost of living issue, Tham stated that rising prices of goods, logistics costs, and household economic pressures require more concrete action from the state government.
He questioned when the state government would announce specific measures to help the people cope with the current economic pressures.
At the same time, he stated that Sabah's autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) needs to be translated into more tangible outcomes.
He emphasized that the demand for 40 percent of Sabah's net tax revenue must continue to be fought for as it directly impacts the state's ability to address fundamental issues such as water supply, education, health, and infrastructure development.
According to him, this struggle needs to be conducted in a bipartisan manner as it involves the rights of Sabah and not the interests of any political party.
