by David E.
TENOM: Oct 12, 2026 – The Upper Padas hydropower project in Tenom and the project to replace a culvert with a permanent bridge at KM133.95 of the Kota Kinabalu–Keningau Road are expected to provide better facilities for people in rural and interior areas of Sabah.
Deputy Chief Minister I and Sabah Minister of Works and Utilities Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam conducted a working visit to Tenom and Keningau today to inspect the progress of both projects.
“The development of quality and resilient infrastructure is important to ensure the people have better basic facilities, especially in rural and interior areas of Sabah,” he said.
He stressed the importance of continuous monitoring of development projects so that any issues or implementation constraints can be identified and addressed appropriately.
“The development of the energy sector and a better road network not only improves the people’s well-being but also supports economic growth and opens up more development opportunities in the areas involved,” he said.
The visit was part of efforts to ensure infrastructure development projects in Sabah are implemented in an orderly manner, meet set standards and benefit the people.
Joachim began the visit at the CCCC-CWE headquarters in Kemabong, Tenom, by attending a briefing by Upper Padas Power Sdn Bhd on the progress of the Upper Padas hydropower project.
He was then taken to inspect the project site, including the Access Tunnel area, to see the implementation of works for himself and gain a clearer picture of the technical aspects and on-site challenges.
The energy project is among key initiatives in efforts to strengthen electricity supply infrastructure in Sabah to meet development needs and future energy demand.
After the visit in Kemabong, Joachim continued his journey to Keningau to inspect the project to replace a culvert with a permanent bridge at KM133.95 of the Kota Kinabalu–Keningau Road.
The inspection gave him the opportunity to see the condition of the project site directly and examine implementation aspects related to the safety and comfort of road users.
The two-day working visit, from Oct 12 to 13, also covers several infrastructure and basic facilities projects in the Keningau district scheduled to be visited the following day.
– TV Sabah
