TAWAU: Solar lamps have been installed in 18 villages in the Merotai state constituency (DUN) in an attempt to enhance the safety and well-being of local residents.
The President of the Sabah People’s Hope Party (Harapan Rakyat), Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah, said that this installation can indirectly ensure the safety of road users and pedestrians in areas without street lighting facilities.
He said that to date, more than 300 solar lights have been installed in 18 villages, which have been done in stages since the project began two years ago.
“We saw before that the access roads to the village area and the alleys were very dark, especially at night, which could endanger the safety of the residents.”
“So, we took the initiative to install solar lights to help brighten this area and make it easier for the villagers to carry out their affairs, especially at night,” he said.
Liew said solar lights were chosen because they are cost-effective, do not require an electrical connection, and can function even without electricity.
Most of the village areas in the Merotai state constituency do not have street lighting facilities. The absence of streetlights is seen as a cause for concern among residents, especially during rain or late at night.
“We will identify several other locations in the Merotai state constituency area that require solar lights and will consider the next phase of installation depending on the needs and feedback from the residents,” explained Liew.
According to him, among the villages receiving these lamp installations are Kuala Merotai; Kampung Iban Baharu and Lama; Sungai Udin; Kampung Langsat; Kampung Jagung; Kampung Kijang; Kampung Pengkalan Asli; Kampung Tanah Merah; Kampung Simpang Tiga; Kampung Mangaris; and Kampung Kelapa.
In addition, Kampung Melati Burut; Kampung Hulu Haji Matahir; Kampung Haji Matahir; Kampung Beruang; Kampung Sungai Imam; Kampung Seri Bombalai and Kampung Sungai Imam Bombalai Laut.
This is an ongoing effort and a social responsibility to the villagers in the Merotai state constituency.
“We hope this initiative can increase the confidence of the villagers and all road users, especially in the Merotai state constituency,” he said.
Liew thanked all parties involved, including the members of the People’s Hope Party who managed the installation through mutual cooperation.
