The RM200 million flood mitigation project in Penampang is pointless if the Government cannot even stop hill-cutting incidents in Kg Kivatu which had resulted in mud floods along the Kota Kinabalu-Tambunan road.

Moyog Assemblyman Terrence Siambun said the mud will only end up in the drainage system that forms part of the flood mitigation project and, at the same time, cause severe pollution to Moyog River.

"The Government should have taken action against the hill-cutting activity because it is located just next to the road. The hill is cut at an 85-degree angle, far exceeding the allowed conditions.

"I hope the State Government will investigate the matter as soon as possible because remember, it was the same incident that had caused floods along the Minintod Road," he said.

He said similar problems also happened in Kg Togudon where the landowner decided to cut the hill to open a vegetable farm and rear thousands of ducks for his duck eggs business.

He said not only did the activity cause direct pollution on Moyog River, droppings from the birds will also flow straight into the river. The river is the main source for the Kasigui Water Treatment Plant where water will be processed for consumption.

On the question of infrastructure, Terrence also urged Infrastructure Development Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan to consider building a flyover between the Yue Min roundabout and Sigah roundabout.

"I was told that the cost to build the flyover is too high but please consider the difficulties faced by motorists who have to go through severe traffic jam there, especially during peak hours.

"Things will get worse from Wednesday to Friday because of the Tamu. It is unfair to keep saying the cost is too high and therefore the State Government cannot provide infrastructure to the taxpayers.

Terrence said while the Federal Government enjoyed the fruits of Sabah's resources, the State continues to be the poorest region in the federation.

This is why, he said, the State Government must be louder when it comes to voice the rights of Sabahans based on Malaysia Agreement 1963.

He added that the State Government continued to brag about the Pan Borneo Highway project as a mega project by the Federal Government, but forgetting that Malayans have already enjoyed bigger and better highways than Pan Borneo for the past two decades.

"I hope the State Government can answer the people of Sabah. We must be courageous in fighting for what is truly ours," he said.