KOTA KINABALU, April 28, 2026 – Member of the State Assembly (ADUN) for Usukan, YB Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis urged the state government to expedite the resolution of basic infrastructure issues in Sabah while ensuring that the benefits of significant investments truly flow to the local people.
While debating the Government's Policy Speech by His Excellency (TYT) the Governor of Sabah in the Sabah State Assembly today, she stated that the investment figure of RM7.6 billion in the manufacturing sector needs to be detailed so that the people understand the actual impact on the state’s economy.
According to her, the main question is to what extent the investment involves local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including the food processing and timber downstream sectors.
She also requested the government to clarify the actual value of investments that have been spent in Sabah as of April 2026, as well as the percentage of management and high technical positions allocated to Sabahans.
At the same time, she raised the issue of foreign dominance in the business sector, particularly by Pakistani nationals, which is alleged to be increasingly widespread in several districts including Kota Belud and Tenghilan.
She stated that this situation is not merely ordinary business competition but involves the issue of local economic sovereignty that could undermine the opportunities for Sabah entrepreneurs to grow.
She claimed that there are business premises owned by locals but are fully managed by foreigners, in addition to issues regarding minimum wage payments, the use of e-invoicing systems, and the sale of controlled goods.
In this regard, she proposed an integrated operation involving the Ministry of Local Government and Housing (KKTP), district offices, and the Immigration Department to combat the "Ali Baba" practice in business license ownership.
She also suggested that the government establish zones or specific business categories that are completely prohibited for foreign involvement.
In her speech, the ADUN for Usukan also touched on the issue of the increase in assessment tax in Kota Belud, which she said should not be equated with larger cities like Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, and Tawau due to differences in the purchasing power of the community.
She hopes that the Kota Belud District Council will reassess the tax rate and implement it gradually if an increase is necessary.
Commenting on the impact of international conflicts on Sabah, she stated that the state faces a greater risk compared to other states due to its high dependence on food imports, diesel, and the lack of oil storage facilities.
She noted that Sabah imports about 80 percent of its rice, 90 percent of its meat, 50 percent of its vegetables, and 70 percent of its fertilizers, making the state very vulnerable to global instability.
She emphasized that the government must prioritize basic needs such as roads, water supply, electricity, and telecommunications, in addition to strengthening food and energy security guarantees.
Meanwhile, she requested clarification regarding the status of several infrastructure projects in Kota Belud, including the installation of lights at Bukit Kelawat and various village road projects that are alleged to still be pending.
She also questioned the status of the proposed new construction of the Kota Belud District Office and the progress of the Fishermen's Resettlement Project (PSN) in Kampung Bira-Biraan, which is said to have shown no progress since the groundbreaking ceremony was held eight months ago.
In addition, she urged the state government to prioritize the deepening project of the Abai River Estuary to assist affected fishermen, as well as to address erosion issues in Kampung Pantai Emas and Pulau Mantanani.
Regarding poverty issues, she questioned the transparency of the cash payments from petroleum revenues received by the state government and the level of state government involvement in social programs of oil companies such as PETRONAS, Shell, and ConocoPhillips.
Closing the debate, she called on all parties, including elected representatives, civil servants, and the people of Sabah, to change their work culture and abandon a too comfortable or "business as usual" attitude.
She also urged all Sabah leaders to unite on issues involving the interests of the state, including MA63, borders, and the addition of parliamentary seats, regardless of political differences.
She stated that matters related to Sabah's rights need to be discussed together in the State Assembly before any decisions are made at the federal level.
