KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, MALAYSIA – Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Chairman of DAP Sabah, has raised serious concerns about the management and oversight of the ongoing toilet upgrade project at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), highlighting repeated defects in facilities that have already been certified as completed.
In a strongly worded press statement, Phoong criticised Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), the airport operator, for what he described as a clear failure in supervision, inspection, and accountability. He noted that despite multiple site visits and prior complaints about substandard workmanship, no effective rectification has been implemented, allowing similar issues to persist across various toilet facilities.
“Based on my personal observations, the overall workmanship is not only unreasonable but highly questionable,” Phoong said. He pointed out that netizens have been vocal in questioning the project, especially given the reported average cost of around RM400,000 per toilet upgrade amid obvious ongoing defects.
The project involves upgrading 26 toilet facilities in phases at a total cost of RM11.8 million. According to recent reports, 20 toilets have been listed as completed, with the remaining six expected to be finished by April or May this year. However, Phoong emphasised that public expectations for quality, comfort, and world-class standards are justified when such significant public funds are involved.
Inspections by Phoong and others have uncovered issues including uneven and poorly laid tiles, rough finishing, loose or improperly installed fixtures, water seepage, malfunctioning fittings, and workmanship that falls short of basic public facility standards. “What is most alarming is that these defects are found in facilities already certified as completed,” he added. “This exposes potential weaknesses in the supervision, inspection, and approval mechanisms.”
Phoong has repeatedly raised these concerns without seeing comprehensive corrective action. He stressed that the recurrence of the same defects in a high-value public project represents unacceptable negligence.
The DAP Sabah leader has formally brought the matter to the attention of Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who has reportedly committed to personally investigating and ensuring follow-up. Phoong expressed confidence that Loke will hold MAHB accountable.
As the implementing authority, MAHB bears primary responsibility, Phoong argued. He questioned potential flaws in the contractor selection process and how defective facilities were approved and handed over. “MAHB must explain how public facilities costing hundreds of thousands of ringgit each were allowed to be delivered in this condition,” he said.
Phoong called for MAHB to immediately rectify all defects, conduct a thorough project audit, and establish clear accountability. Failure to act decisively, he warned, would further damage public confidence in government infrastructure initiatives.
He underscored the importance of the issue, noting that KKIA serves as Sabah’s primary international gateway. “Its construction quality, management standards, and public image must not be compromised,” Phoong concluded.
About The Author
