KOTA KINABALU: The negative perceptions held by certain parties regarding the proposal to build a cement plant in Kuamut are reminiscent of the initial reactions to the Putrajaya project.
The State Assemblyman (ADUN) for Kuamut, Datuk Masiung Banah, noted that many initially questioned the proposal for the Putrajaya development project.
“No one expected the Putrajaya project to succeed, but it has now become a symbol of national achievement.
“Similarly, certain parties have expressed skepticism regarding the proposal to establish a cement factory in Kuamut; however, the intention behind this factory is genuinely beneficial for the people of Sabah,” he said.
Masiung made these remarks during the Aidilfitri Gathering with the Media at his residence here on Sunday.
Also present was the Minister of Community Development and People’s Well-Being, Datuk James Ratib.
Later, speaking to reporters, Masiung clarified that the construction of the cement factory in Kuamut is not a guise for logging activities, as alleged by some, but rather aims to enhance local infrastructure and the economy.
He dismissed claims that the project is intended to exploit timber resources, asserting that the project site is located on limestone slopes unsuitable for timber growth.
“Logically, large trees cannot thrive on limestone. Furthermore, the project area is only 200 acres, not the thousands of acres as claimed,” he explained.
Masiung, who is also the chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Board (LPPB) and chairman of Borneo Cement (Sabah) Sdn Bhd (BCS), further elaborated that the cement factory’s construction has undergone four stages of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Currently, the project is still in the land-clearing phase, as that is the only aspect approved through the EIA.
