PENAMPANG : Moyog Assemblyman Donald Mojuntin said Tuesday he and fellow elected representative Penampang MP Tan Sri Bernard Dompok knew about the proposed RM2.8 billion Kaiduan Dam when the villagers and some NGOs approached them.

He was replying to statements from SAPP and Sabah PKR questioning the sincerity of their claims at having no knowledge of the mega project.

He said that as far as Upko is concerned, the party has been proven to undertake any struggle with integrity and commitment.

"So, the issue of the relevant MP and Assemblyman not being informed about the Kaiduan Dam and Maang Water Treatment Plant in sufficient detail much earlier is a fact," he said in a statement.

He said that the situation is similar with the proposed relocation of Sri Tanjung squatters to Kampung Maang previously.

According to him, the elected representatives only found out about the government relocation plan when surveyors started to stake markers within Maang area and after the kampung people inquired the surveyors the purpose of their exercise.

He reiterated that Upko elected representatives at that time stood by with the people to protest.

He also stressed that it is the wakil rakyats obligation to obtain more detailed information about the matter before they can make relevant comments.

"That is the responsible way of facing any problems," he said. Reiterating about the proposed dam, he said they wanted it moved elsewhere since there are alternative sites.

At the same time, the Government should tackle the Non-Revenue Water (NRW) problem, which is more than 40 per cent first before embarking on the dam project.

"What is important here is to focus on the problems faced by our people in the areas affected by the dam and the water treatment plant," he said.

Donald said the party is very committed and firm with its stand that any wrongdoing must be corrected. "We thank the oppositions' comments but we as the wakil rakyat of the area concerned are on hand for the people to resolve this issue," he said.

SAPP Youth Chief, Edward Dagul said it was unbelievable that the grassroots were more aware of what was going on in their areas, instead of the Upko elected representatives there.

He said it was impossible for both Dompok and Donald to be completely in the dark over the project of such magnitude.

He also said it was ironic that in this case, the villagers speak for the Ybs.

Sabah PKR Treasurer, Dr Ronald Chia said the revelation by the two elected representatives proved either they failed to go to the ground and listen to the people or were just playing dumb.

He noted that neither Dompok or Mojuntin also made it a point to be present during dialogue with the villagers at Kampung Timpayasah despite being invited. Dompok earlier said he had a meeting to attend to.

He also said that it was very unfortunate that the villagers were asked to attend a four-eyed meeting with the consultant engineer and District Officer at the district office on Oct 30 given that it cost a hefty sum to the villagers for transport from their villages to Donggongon.