KOTA KINABALU, April 27, 2026 – The issue of rising living costs, delays in development projects, and weaknesses in critical infrastructure have become among the main focuses raised by the Karamunting Assemblyman, YB Alex Wong, during the Second Session of the Sabah State Assembly.
In his debate, he emphasized that the people of Sabah continue to face price pressures that are unbalanced compared to Peninsular Malaysia, particularly concerning basic goods and construction costs.
According to him, the price of building materials such as thinner has shown a sharp increase in a short period, while the price of eggs of the same grade is significantly higher in Sabah compared to Peninsular Malaysia. This situation, he said, raises questions about the effectiveness of the government's price control mechanisms.
“The people of Sabah are continually forced to pay higher prices. What failures in transportation policy and subsidies have allowed this issue to persist?” he said.
He also emphasized that logistics costs are a major factor in price increases as the rental rate for 10-ton trucks from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan has significantly increased over the past three months. In this regard, he questioned how the government could claim that Sabah is not affected by the rise in diesel prices in Peninsular Malaysia when the ripple effects are clearly felt in the state.
Additionally, the issue of the Tanah Merah Market Project also received attention as construction progress has been seen as slow with a minimal number of workers on site. This situation raises concerns about whether the project can be completed according to the original schedule without an extension of time (EOT).
He stated that the delay in the project has had a direct impact on small traders who are now forced to operate in a temporary market that lacks basic facilities.
“Traders are affected in terms of daily income. What immediate steps is the government taking to alleviate their suffering while waiting for the project to be completed?” he questioned.
At the same time, the issue of public safety was also raised through problems with streetlights and the condition of Jalan Cecily, which is described as increasingly worrying. More than 70 percent of the road surface is reported to be damaged with potholes and uneven conditions, in addition to the lack of adequate lighting systems.
This situation becomes more risky considering the location of the road in a hilly area, thereby increasing the potential for accidents and crime.
He demanded an explanation from the government regarding the schedule for repairing streetlights and a comprehensive upgrade plan for Jalan Cecily, including the amount of allocation provided.
Meanwhile, YB Alex Wong also raised the issue of Sandakan Port, which is considered the main artery of the state's economy but still relies on old equipment.
According to him, the use of cranes that have been in operation for up to 20 years poses a significant risk to the smooth operation of the port. The crane failure incident in January 2026 that disrupted operations has caused delays in deliveries and economic losses.
“How can we attract investors if basic facilities like cranes still depend on equipment that is decades old?” he said.
He urged the government to take immediate action to upgrade port facilities to ensure smooth logistics, attract investment, and enhance the economic competitiveness of Sabah.
The debate reflects ongoing concerns about fundamental issues that directly affect the lives of the people, particularly involving the cost of living, economic opportunities, and public safety in the Karamunting area.
