Dewan Rakyat was surprised when Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor announced that he plans to file reports regarding substandard roadworks that are affecting rural Orang Asli communities. The incident occurred as Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi was finishing up his ministerial responses, and Ramli, who was acting as Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker, expressed his intention to ask the minister a final question. Ramli, who is also the Cameron Highlands MP, wanted to know why roads in rural areas, specifically those impacting the Orang Asli, are damaged and problematic. He mentioned that based on investigations and observations, many road projects do not adhere to specifications. This took place during the debates on Budget 2024 in Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday, October 31.
Ramli, who is of Orang Asli descent, stated that he has directed his officer to address the matter with the Orang Asli Development Department (Jakoa). He emphasized that if the information is indeed true, he or his officer will file reports with the police and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). In 2019, Ramli made history by becoming the first elected Orang Asli MP after winning the Cameron Highlands by-election. Last year, he became the first Orang Asli appointed as Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker.
Meanwhile, Nanta applauded Ramli’s initiative and stated that he will leave the investigations to the police and MACC. Earlier, Alexander Nanta Linggi mentioned that the government plans to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the nation. He asserted that the goal is to establish more EV fast charging stations along major highways. Nanta stated that there are already 22 EV fast charging stations operating on PLUS-operated highways, with 18 more currently under construction. Additionally, four modular portable EV fast charging stations with battery energy storage systems, which are the first of their kind in South-East Asia due to their utilization of solar and battery power for EV charging, have been set up and are undergoing trials.
