PAITAN RESIDENTS HOPE FOR BETTER ACCESS TO EASE TRAVEL BURDEN

By Suraidah Roslan

PAITAN, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- Residents of Kampung Mamahat here have long accepted that travelling seven hours by road to Sandakan or about two hours by boat to Beluran is part of their daily routine.

Surianah Orstel, 46, said many villagers, most of them fishermen, face difficulties sending their catch to nearby markets due to long distances and high transport costs.

She said the 220-km road journey to Sandakan can take up to seven hours and cost about RM200 in fuel for private vehicles.

“We usually send our catch to Sandakan or Pulau Banggi in Kudat. Because of the distance, we have to collect enough fish before making the trip. One trip can cost RM200 in fuel and if we hire a car, it can reach RM500,” she told Bernama.

She added that villagers also need to travel about 178 km to Beluran for administrative matters, as Paitan still lacks its own registration or education offices.

Surianah welcomed the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government’s move to upgrade Paitan to full district status last year and hopes it will lead to more government services being made available locally.

In Terusan Sugut, resident Radli Saharin, 33, said a 300-kilowatt solar energy project currently being implemented offers hope to about 1,000 villagers.

He said the community still relies on generator sets and the solar project would allow them to enjoy 24-hour electricity instead of the current 12-hour supply.

Meanwhile, Sharifah Nureizwah Sh Mahmud, 21, said upgrading the telecommunications tower in Kampung Terusan Sugut will help students access 4G internet instead of the existing 3G service.

“The connection is still unstable now. Once the upgrade is completed, it will be easier for young people to access educational information with high-speed internet,” she said.

Incumbent Sugut assemblyman and GRS candidate Datuk James Ratib said he remains committed to developing the area he has represented for three terms.

The former State Community Development and People’s Well-being Minister said the challenges faced by residents were among the reasons he pushed for Paitan’s upgrade to full district status.

James also reiterated his commitment to fulfilling promises made in the last election, including ensuring 24-hour electricity and improved internet coverage.

Paitan lies within the Sugut state constituency under the Beluran parliamentary seat, with 18,435 registered voters eligible to cast their ballots in Saturday’s polls.

For the latest on the state polls, visit Bernama microsite at https://prn.bernama.com/sabah/.

-- BERNAMA