Latest news with #YahyaAhmad
Daily Express
12-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Membakut mart contractor's ability queried
Published on: Saturday, July 12, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 12, 2025 By: Ahmad Apong Text Size: The market remains fenced with zinc panels. MEMBAKUT: The Ministry of Local Government and Housing is urged to look into issues involving the appointed contractor responsible for the delayed upgrading of the Membakut Public Market. President of Rumpun Etnik Sabah (Presbah), Yahya Ahmad, said he was made to understand that the contractor was appointed by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, and not under the Beaufort District Council (MDB), which only serves as a supervising authority. 'This is not merely a procurement issue — it's a matter of integrity and competency. Just because this contractor has secured multiple projects in Sabah doesn't mean their shortcomings should be overlooked,' he told Daily Express. He said delays were also affecting the Beaufort food court upgrading project, adding that the same contractor had been tasked with upgrading markets and stalls in Weston, Beaufort, and Membakut. 'The question here is whether the contractor has the capacity and the efficiency required for these projects. I've received numerous complaints from local councillors and others expressing their frustration,' he said. He questioned how long the Membakut market works would continue to stall, pointing out that no significant progress had been seen, and workers who were once present had disappeared for months. 'The quality of work is extremely disappointing. Anyone can see that close to RM1 million was allocated for roofing and existing floor upgrades, yet there is little to show for it,' he said. He also claimed that undocumented foreign workers were being employed, which caused disruptions whenever enforcement agencies such as the Immigration Department or the police conducted checks. The upgrading project involves the fish market — currently abandoned — the vegetable market, and two food courts still waiting their turn. 'This is a central town area and a public hotspot, especially on market days. Yet it's been left fenced off with zinc sheets for months, making the town look even more rundown,' he said. 'If the fish market alone is already stuck, how are they going to manage the vegetable market and the two food courts later? Everything will likely end up fenced and forgotten while waiting for completion,' he added. Yahya also raised concerns over the livelihoods of affected traders. 'If the projects continue to be delayed, where will the food vendors relocate to? If they're unable to do business, what other source of income do they have?' he asked. He also called on the Beaufort District Council not to take the matter lightly and to ensure stricter monitoring of contractors, prioritising public interest and the welfare of traders. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Beaufort folks upset over closure of agricultural road
Published on: Saturday, July 05, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 05, 2025 By: Ahmad Apong Text Size: The closed road in question. BEAUFORT: Local residents are disappointed as they face difficulties transporting their children to and fro Sekolah Kebangsaan Klias Baru on Jalan Klias Baru, due to the closure of the agricultural road. President of the Sabah Ethnic Groups Organisation (Presbah), Yahya Ahmad, said this when contacted by the Daily Express. He has visited and listened to the concerns of parents, especially about the challenges their children face in getting to school. Advertisement He said when the shortcut through the agricultural route, which was the usual easy and quick path, was closed, much of their time was wasted due to the longer distance. 'I took the time today to personally visit the location with a colleague, Syariah Court Judge Jelimin from Beaufort, and representatives of the parents to observe firsthand the issues caused by the road closure,' he said. Presbah reached out to a few groups, including engineers from the Public Works Department, to work together on finding a solution. Pan Borneo is stepping in to help find a way forward that keeps the construction work on track while also looking out for the wellbeing of the community, especially the parents from Sk. Klias Baru and everyone else using the road. Yahya Presbah has proposed opening an alternative route from the roundabout junction directly to the school, he said. Protecting the rights of everyone on the road is key to not just prevent accidents but to ensure everyone can travel safely and comfortably. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
