Attachments to my email posted yesterday

 

Here are two of several emails attached to my email posted yesterday. These were addressed to the mayor and copied to JPA chairman Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan bin Haji Abdul Aziz. (Ketua Pengarah Perkhidmatan Awam) and to the Sabah Integrity Department

From:luqmanm2002@yahoo.co.uk

To:mayor@dbkk.sabah.gov.my

Cc:wdahlan@jpa.gov.my,marziana.malik@jpa.gov.my,sitifairuz.hussin@sabah.gov.my

Tue 1 Jul at 07:10

Dear Datuk Mayor,

I am writing to express my profound dissatisfaction with the ongoing issue of illegal driveway extensions onto public roads, a matter I first raised in February 2023. Specifically, the extension at House S2a (previously S20) was reported by the developer to Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK), yet no action has been taken. I reiterated this concern directly to Sr. Lifred Wong during a meeting at DBKK on 5 May 2025, to no avail. These unauthorized extensions pose a serious hazard to road users, compromising public safety. The continued silence and failure of DBKK officers to respond to my emails and address this and other issues are utterly unacceptable and reflect poorly on the authority’s commitment to governance and accountability.

I demand immediate clarification: Has DBKK sanctioned a new regulation permitting homeowners to extend driveways at their discretion? If so, I expect the developer to extend my driveway as recently proposed by her and the former chairman of Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia. If not, why has DBKK failed to enforce existing regulations? Furthermore, Sr. Lifred Wong’s claim that platform heights of houses were not adjusted to the original Development Plan due to rocky terrain is an inadequate excuse for non-compliance. This justification does not absolve DBKK of its responsibility to ensure adherence to approved plans. For your reference, my previous correspondence is documented at: LINK

Additionally, a video illustrating the driveway issue opposite my residence is available at:LINK

I expect a prompt and detailed response outlining the actions DBKK will take to rectify this situation and prevent further endangerment of public safety.

Continued inaction will compel me to escalate this matter to higher authorities.

Yours sincerely,

Luqman Michel

…………………….

From:luqmanm2002@yahoo.co.uk

To:mayor@dbkk.sabah.gov.my

Cc:wdahlan@jpa.gov.my,marziana.malik@jpa.gov.my

Thu 10 Jul at 06:48

 

Dear YBhg. Dato’ Sri Dr. Haji Sabin Samitah,

I am writing to formally raise concerns about the lack of response from the Director General, Sr. Lifred Wong, to my two previous letters regarding landslide risks and structural issues in Vistana Heights. These concerns remain unaddressed, raising questions about transparency, accountability, and adherence to DBKK’s public service mandate.  During meetings on May 5 and June 11, 2025, the Director General dismissed my concerns without providing evidence or a formal response. This is particularly troubling given DBKK’s commitment to transparency and its responsibility for urban planning, environmental protection, and infrastructure maintenance. The absence of written replies to my letters suggests potential procedural lapses or an unwillingness to engage with public inquiries.

Key issues include:

Landslide Risks and Approval Processes: The Director General’s dismissal implies negligence by officers who approved the 2018 development plan, which reportedly did not mandate a retaining wall despite known landslide risks in the area. The severe landslides behind houses D17 to D18, necessitating the redesign of four semi-detached houses into two detached ones, highlight the area’s vulnerability. DBKK’s Planning and Development Sector is responsible for ensuring development plans mitigate such risks. The lack of evidence of an investigation into these issues is inconsistent with DBKK’s mission to prioritize public safety.

Structural Concerns: Cracks behind house no. 5, requiring frequent patching, suggest a structural or geological issue. The Director General’s failure to address this matter or confirm an investigation raises concerns about DBKK’s commitment to addressing potential safety hazards.

DBKK’s mandate includes ensuring safe urban development and addressing environmental risks. The absence of a formal response or investigation into these matters undermines public trust in DBKK’s processes.

I respectfully request:

A formal written response addressing the concerns raised in my previous letters.

An investigation into the 2018 plan approval process, specifically whether landslide risks were adequately assessed and why no retaining wall was mandated.

A technical assessment of the cracks behind house no. 5 to determine their cause and any necessary remedial actions.

Clarification on steps DBKK is taking to prevent further landslides and ensure public safety in the area.

I look forward to your prompt response and resolution of these pressing concerns.  Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Luqman Michel