The state government is calling for calm among villagers over the proposed controversial RM450mil Tambatuon dam in Kota Belud on the foothills of Mount Kinabalu.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin said people should not be too concerned over the proposed dam, pending the completion of a feasibility study.
The proposed irrigation dam, which may see the flooding of at least four villages around Kampung Tambatuon, is facing strong objections from villagers, environmentalists and opposition parties like DAP and Sabah Progressive Party.
Yahya, who recently visited the area with various interest groups, said people in the area should allow officials to carry out the study on the project, which is aimed at increasing padi output in Sabah’s rice bowl district of Kota Belud.
“We will not take up a development project without taking into account the views of the people,” said Yahya, who is state Agriculture and Food Industry Minister.
Yahya also called on opposition parties not to politicise the issue as the matter was only undergoing a feasibility study.
Sabah Environmental Protection Association had said the dam was not required as there was sufficient water from the Tempasuk river for irrigation purposes if there were proper drains.
However, Yahya stressed that the dam was for various purposes, including a reliable irrigation system to enable the harvest of double crops every year and increase in production.
“It is also proposed to provide clean water, mitigate flooding and generate power.
“I have listened to the people’s grouses and we will consider the views of the villagers,” Yahya said, adding that all aspects, including socio-economic, would be taken into account.
