KUALA LUMPUR: The shortage of approximately 245 medical officers and the status of 13 rural road projects worth RM1.716 billion in Sabah were among the issues raised by Tuaran Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau during the debate on the 2027 Budget at the Committee Stage of the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM) in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.
Madius urged the government to take immediate action to address the shortage of medical personnel in Sabah, particularly in the areas of Beluran, Ranau, Keningau, Sipitang, Beaufort, and Beaufort.
“The government needs to coordinate solutions with the Ministry of Health Malaysia, including addressing issues related to regional allowances and housing facilities to attract and retain medical officers to continue serving in Sabah,” he stated.
He emphasized that the shortage of medical personnel must be taken seriously to ensure that people in rural areas have proper access to healthcare services.
Regarding infrastructure development, Madius requested the Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Division (BHESS) to clarify the status of the 13 rural road projects valued at RM1.716 billion, which were previously reported to have their tender processes canceled.
He mentioned that BHESS needs to coordinate actions with the Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry of Finance to ensure that the financing status and implementation processes of each project can be clarified.
“The people of Sabah need to know when the tender process will be re-initiated and when construction work can commence.
“We require clarification on the re-tender dates and the start dates for each project so that their implementation can be monitored,” he said.
He stressed that rural development projects need to receive appropriate attention, as delays in implementation affect the facilities and well-being of the local community.
