Making Laws Work in Kota Kinabalu

 

In Kota Kinabalu, the old adage that laws are only as effective as their enforcement rings true across diverse issues, from bullying to wildlife protection and even building regulations. A recent article in the Daily Express highlighted this critical point, emphasizing that without robust enforcement mechanisms, even the most well-intentioned laws are rendered useless. 

Datuk Seri Azizah Dun, the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) women’s chief, recently told the Daily Express that laws alone are insufficient without proper enforcement. “Even if laws exist, without enforcement they will not work”.

Similarly, Tawau MP Christina Liew highlighted the futility of wildlife protection laws without stringent enforcement. Christina Liew’s comments reflect a broader truth: laws on paper are meaningless if they are not consistently applied.

The issue of unenforced laws extends beyond bullying and wildlife to the critical domain of building regulations, where lapses can endanger lives and communities. In Kota Kinabalu, the Vistana Heights development has become a focal point for concerns about regulatory oversight. This project has raised questions about compliance with building codes and safety standards.

The Daily Express article’s broader point about enforcement applies directly here: without rigorous inspections, transparent reporting, and accountability, building regulations become mere suggestions.

In cases like Vistana Heights, questions arise about why occupancy certificate was issued despite alleged violations. Are regulatory bodies adequately staffed and empowered to enforce laws? Or do bureaucratic protections shield officials from accountability, allowing lapses to persist? The lack of transparency in addressing these questions erodes public trust in the system and perpetuates the cycle of ineffective enforcement.

When individuals observe lawbreaking without repercussion, the perceived lawlessness may erode the authority of the law and public respect for legal rules in general.

Silence enables further violations, undermining the social compact that laws are meant to uphold.

Department heads and authorities must be held accountable for lapses. Independent oversight mechanisms can ensure that decisions are scrutinised and violations addressed.

The Vistana Heights case serves as a stark reminder that building laws require vigilant enforcement to protect communities. By addressing the enforcement gap, Kota Kinabalu can ensure that its laws serve their purpose—safeguarding the well-being of its people, environment, and future.