A senior Barisan Nasional (BN) figure has launched a blistering attack on the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government over its defence of a RM1.2 billion cement plant being built in the heart of the Tongod forest, calling it a reckless and illogical project that insults the intelligence of rural communities.
BN’s Kuamut coordinator Datuk Johnny Intang issued a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, a day after former senator and indigenous rights activist Adrian Lasimbang condemned the project as economically and environmentally unsound.
Intang took particular aim at Kuamut assemblyman and project chairman Datuk Masiung Banah, who earlier dismissed criticism of the forest-based development, remarking: “What is the problem with building a cement plant in the forest? We cannot possibly build it in the city.”
“Such arrogance is not only dismissive of public concern but reveals a disturbing level of indifference within GRS toward the fate of rural people.
“Labelling public criticism as ‘coffee shop talk’ is not just an insult—it shows how far removed the government has become from those it is meant to serve,” said Intang on Thursday.
The plant, spearheaded by Borneo Cement Sabah (BCS), is a joint venture between the state-linked Sedco and private firm Sri Alam Setia Sdn Bhd.
Located near the ecologically sensitive Maliau Basin and Imbak Canyon, the site has sparked alarm among conservationists, lawmakers, and villagers who say logging activities are already occurring nearby.
“There are reports of ongoing timber extraction, and one resident narrowly escaped injury when a log fell in front of their house,” Intang said, adding that rural areas like Tongod continue to lack stable electricity and paved roads.
“This isn’t about opposing development—it’s about opposing careless development that sacrifices the environment and people’s safety in the name of profit.”
Intang demanded Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor step in and reveal all documents related to the plant, including any approvals for timber extraction.
“Sabahans are not fools. GRS cannot keep hiding behind grand promises while burdening the land and its people with mystery-shrouded projects.
“Enough with using ‘development’ as an excuse to trample on our rights and our forests,” he said.
The GRS government has maintained that the project will provide over 1,000 jobs and spur growth in one of Sabah’s poorest regions.
Banah has also denied that the Chinese contractor, Sinoma International Engineering Co. Ltd, has withdrawn, insisting that infrastructure works are progressing.
On Wednesday, former Senator Adrian Lasimbang warned the project’s location made no logistical sense for a heavy industrial site.
“Clinker plants are energy-intensive and require strong logistics support—neither of which exists in the jungle.
“This is a no-go zone for today’s responsible investors,” he said. – April 24, 2025
