Kota Kinabalu: City Hall (DBKK) on Saturday launched the KK Heritage Trail, a RM250,000 initiative linking five major heritage sites in the city centre, as part of efforts to strengthen holistic urban development.
Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah said landscape development must go hand in hand with efforts to preserve the city’s history and identity.
“I am pleased that today we are launching the KK Heritage Trail as another initiative that complements DBKK’s urban development agenda,” he said.
The five heritage sites are the Old High Court Building, Anzac Memorial, City Park, Malaysia Monument and Gaya Street.
Sabin said the project, supported by a RM250,000 allocation from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac), will involve the installation of Heritage Trail markers and the upgrading of historical interpretation panels to enhance visitors’ experience while providing the public with a better understanding of Kota Kinabalu’s history and development.
“I believe this effort to preserve the city’s heritage will complement the greening initiatives currently being implemented by City Hall,” he said.
He said a liveable city is not only one that offers a green and comfortable environment, but also one with a strong identity where its history continues to be appreciated and preserved.
Sabin called on city residents to value and protect the landscape and heritage assets that have been developed, including trees, public parks, recreational facilities and heritage sites, for the benefit of present and future generations.
He urged the public to avoid damaging trees, polluting parks and heritage sites, or committing acts of vandalism, stressing that the success of such initiatives depends not only on the local authority but also on the shared responsibility of the community.
Sabin expressed hope that Kota Kinabalu Landscape Day would continue to serve as a platform to raise public awareness on environmental sustainability while fostering appreciation for the city’s history and heritage.
“These two elements complement one another in shaping Kota Kinabalu into a progressive, sustainable city with an identity its people can be proud of,” he said.
