92% Land Department Achievement: A Hollow Victory for Vistana Heights Residents

 

Source: Daily Express 

The Sabah Lands and Surveys Department (JTU) celebrated a 92% success rate in 2024, meeting 11 of 12 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor lauded JTU’s staff for their “strong commitment” to delivering exceptional service to the people and the State. 

My thoughts:

This glowing praise rings hollow for residents of Vistana Heights, where unresolved safety issues undermine claims of stellar service. I’ve sent multiple emails to the JTU chairman, including one documented here, with no reply for years. Only on 15 July 2025 did I receive a response, pointing to DBKK as the authority for the as-built survey plans for Taman Puncak Vistana, Iramanis. Dissatisfied, I pressed further with questions, as detailed here. On 18 August 2025, L&S responded, directing me to pursue legal action under Section 17 of the Surveyors Ordinance 1960. Why would a department head push a resident toward court when the JPA emphasizes discreet resolution? This risks public and media exposure, contradicting the Chief Minister’s narrative of exemplary service. 

“This achievement is the result of hard work, dedication and the excellent work culture of the department’s staff.” 

My thoughts:

Such statements feel like political spin to sidetrack the public. JTU’s “strong commitment” is questionable when Vistana Heights residents face ongoing safety hazards. The steep driveway to S9, inaccessible to emergency vehicles like ambulances, and the unbuilt retaining wall—promised but never delivered—make the area a ticking time bomb. These issues, raised repeatedly, have been met with silence or deflection.

 

The 2025 State Budget claims:  The well-being of the people is our core. Therefore, the 2025 State Budget is anchored on the concept of “pomogunan do sogigisom”, a Dusun phrase meaning sustainable development through unity, guided by the following key pillars:

Pillar no 5: To enhance the efficiency of the state’s administration and delivery system. 

 

My thoughts:

What efficiency? DBKK’s administration is a glaring failure—over 100 emails to DBKK and the mayor have gone unanswered. The Chief Minister’s talk of an efficient delivery system feels like a mockery when residents’ pleas for basic safety fixes, like the hazardous driveway and missing retaining wall, are ignored.

The budget also names KKTP, JPS, and Kota Kinabalu City Hall as key players in infrastructure programs, alongside the Ministry of Works Sabah. 

 

My thoughts:

My grievances center on KKTP and DBKK, both of which have stonewalled my attempts to address Vistana Heights’ unsafe conditions. The lack of response from these agencies undermines any claim of effective governance. 

 

The 2024 budget speech proclaims:  The vision of every leader is to improve the people’s quality of life. In line with the SMJ Roadmap, the State Government is also committed in improving and enhancing the socio-economic status and well-being of the people. 

 

My thoughts:

These words are empty platitudes, especially for Vistana Heights residents living with dangerous infrastructure. The Housing and Urban Development Board (LPPB), tasked with affordable housing, has also ignored every email I’ve sent, further eroding trust in these lofty promises.  

 

The 2024 budget emphasizes maintaining infrastructure like roads, bridges, and public buildings for safety and sustainability. 

 

My thoughts:

This is the heart of my complaint. The steep, dangerous driveway to S9 and the unconstructed retaining wall at Vistana Heights—issues I’ve raised for years—pose serious risks to residents. Emergency vehicles can’t access the area, and the unstable hillside, without the promised retaining wall, threatens lives and property. These are not abstract policy failures but real dangers that the State’s “committed” agencies have failed to address, despite my persistent efforts to engage them.

Please watch the 3 short video clips at LINK.