KOTA KINABALU (Apr 14): Liawan assemblyman Datuk Annuar Ayub Aman has sounded the alarm on worsening traffic congestion, repeated flood damage and dilapidated infrastructure in his constituency, calling on the state and federal governments to take immediate and long-term action.

Annuar stressed that Keningau, as the administrative and economic heart of Sabah’s interior, is suffering from development bottlenecks due to outdated roads and insufficient infrastructure.

“The traffic situation in Keningau town is becoming increasingly critical. It is affecting local residents and business owners alike,” he said, citing the need for the swift completion of the Sungai Liawan Bridge in Kampung Semalang.

According to Annuar, the bridge meant to serve as an alternative route to ease congestion was initially scheduled for completion in May, but is now only expected to be ready by August.

“I seek clarification from the ministry on the cause of this delay. We cannot afford to let infrastructure delays stall economic progress,” he added and also requested an update on the proposed ‘relief road’ project in Keningau, which he believes could be a long-term solution to the town’s traffic burden.

On rural connectivity, Annuar called for Jalan Tarapa, Jalan Gaulan, Jalan Batu 27 and Jalan Sigapon to be upgraded and paved, and for urban roads to be widened in anticipation of rising traffic volumes.

“Short-term measures must be implemented now. At the same time, we need a more systematic, long-term plan that includes upgrading existing roads and building new, more efficient routes,” he said.

Annuar also highlighted the devastating floods that struck his constituency in February, March and even as recently as this month.

Villages such as Kampung Kauran experienced severe flooding due to overflowing rivers, resulting in damaged infrastructure and submerged homes.

“The damage is immense. River embankments must be strengthened, drainage improved, and high-risk areas monitored regularly to avoid recurrence,” he said, appealing for stronger disaster mitigation measures.

The floods also revealed gaps in emergency preparedness and Annuar revealed that some flood victims had to be temporarily housed in a village chief’s residence after the designated temporary evacuation centre (PPS) failed to meet minimum standards.

“This should not happen. District offices must be supplied with basic items like partition blocks, mattresses and blankets to house evacuees comfortably,” he said, urging a review of PPS facilities across the constituency.

The Liawan assemblyman also raised concerns about the poor condition of village roads, many of which have exceeded their usable lifespan.

“Most of these roads are full of potholes and seriously damaged. Current maintenance only involves patching with crushed stone, which is a short-term fix at best,” he said.

He emphasized the impact on daily life and the rural economy, particularly for farmers, students and small traders who rely on these roads to reach markets, schools and customers.

“I urge the government to resurface these roads with durable asphalt and include them in regular maintenance plans,” he said, noting that agricultural roads not covered by any government or JKR concession must also be given attention.

On education, Annuar said the condition of access roads to schools is hampering rural students’ ability to attend classes safely.

“Sekolah Kebangsaan Ulu Senagang and Sekolah Kebangsaan Gaulan still have unpaved gravel access roads. It’s time for the state and federal governments to prioritize upgrading these routes,” he said.

He added that many schools in the interior still lack basic infrastructure such as treated water, electricity and proper road access.

“The people want more than explanations. They want concrete action that leads to real, positive change,” Annuar stressed.

Ending his address, he urged all stakeholders to work together and not betray the trust placed in them.

“Let us not waste the people’s trust with empty promises. We must ensure their voices are heard, respected and fought for,” he said.