Be transparent over Trans-Sabah Gas Pipeline project — Rep

KOTA KINABALU: The government has been urged to prioritise transparency and public accountability in the planning and execution of the Trans-Sabah Gas Pipeline project.

Making the call, Sri Tanjong assemblyman Justin Wong said transparency is fundamental in building trust between the government, stakeholders and the public.

It ensures that decisions are fair, allows for informed public participation, and minimises the risks of corruption or mismanagement.

First and foremost, he said the GRS government should clarify to the public whether this RM4 billion project will still continue as announced in 2021 when it was revived by the then Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.

It is worth noting that the GRS government led by Datuk Hajiji Noor was at that time part of PN.

“GRS must clarify the current status of the project that was intended to supply gas from Kimanis to the East Coast districts. They must state its timeline, and any potential delays or challenges. Regular updates and progress reports should be provided to the public to foster understanding and confidence,” said Wong in a statement on Thursday.

Given the sizable investment required for the Trans-Sabah Gas Pipeline, he said the public has a right to know the funding sources, projected costs, and potential financial risks.

Detailed cost-benefit analyses should be shared to ensure public funds are utilised efficiently and effectively.

“Clarity is needed on the safety protocols in place to mitigate potential risks associated with the construction and operation of the pipeline. There must be transparency on how the government plans to ensure the safety of workers, nearby communities, and the overall security of the pipeline infrastructure.

“Increased transparency and public participation are essential for ensuring the TransSabah Gas Pipeline project’s success and remains in line with sustainable development goals,” he added.

When the PN government revived the project in 2021, he said the Transparency International Malaysia (TIM) urged PN to explain the need to resume the project given the company had failed to deliver.

The project was approved by the BN-led government between 2013-2018, and the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water during that time was Datuk Maximus Ongkili who is now the chairman of the Sabah Energy Commission.

Wong said Warisan remains committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development.

“We stand ready to support and engage in a constructive dialogue with the government and other stakeholders to ensure the Trans-Sabah Gas Pipeline project’s responsible implementation,” he said.