Tuaran MP Wilfred Madius Tangau has called for urgent action to address Sabah’s shortage of 245 medical officers and sought clarification on 13 rural road projects worth RM1.716 billion whose tender processes were reportedly cancelled.

He raised both issues during the committee-level debate on Budget 2027 for the Prime Minister’s Department in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday.

On healthcare, Madius urged the government to work with the Health Ministry to address manpower shortages, particularly in Beluran, Ranau, Keningau, Sipitang and Beaufort.

He said the shortage required urgent attention to ensure rural communities had adequate access to healthcare services.

“The government needs to coordinate a solution with the Health Ministry, including looking into regional allowances and housing facilities to attract and retain medical officers serving in Sabah,” he said.

On rural infrastructure, Madius called on the Sabah and Sarawak Affairs Division (BHESS) to clarify the status of 13 rural road projects worth RM1.716 billion following reports that their tender processes had been cancelled.

He said BHESS should coordinate with the Rural and Regional Development Ministry and Finance Ministry to clarify the funding arrangements and implementation status of each project.

Madius said Sabahans deserved to know when the tender processes would be reopened and construction work could begin.

“We need clarification on the dates for retendering and the commencement of work for each project so that their implementation can be monitored,” he said.

He stressed that rural development projects required proper attention, warning that delays would affect infrastructure access and the well-being of local communities.

Madius said every issue raised in Parliament must be followed by concrete action, with clear responsibilities assigned to implementing agencies and specific timelines established.