Kota Kinabalu: Tun Juhar Mahiruddin said the State Government would continue to focus on accelerating the construction and maintenance of infrastructure and public facilities such as public markets, visitor sites, stalls, business kiosks, public toilets, community halls and public parks in town and rural areas.
“This aims to support economic recovery and improve the wellbeing of the people through the provision of conducive and comfortable facilities to consumers and traders, as well as increased revenue returns to local authorities through the collection of rental fees and business licences,” he said in the Government Policy Speech during the opening of the State Legislative Assembly sitting, here, Monday.
“Two projects under 12MP that have been completed are the Semporna town public market and Kundasang town vegetable stall,” he said.
This year, he said, several new projects would be initiated, namely the construction project of the Kinarut town general market, the two-storey public market in Beluran town and the Pitas District Council community market, as well as the project to upgrade the Tambunan District Council general market, the Tamu ground and stalls in Apin-Apin Keningau and the public markets and stalls around Beaufort, Membakut and Weston towns.
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He said this aims to improve government policy and legislation to enhance service efficiency and the people’s wellbeing.
The State Government, he said, aspires to provide more adequate and quality affordable housing to meet the needs of the growing population, especially the low-income group, squatters and the B40 group.
“Therefore, under the 12MP, the Affordable Public Housing Project, which will be sold at RM47,000 per unit, will be implemented this year, involving the construction of terrace houses in Sukau, Kota Kinabatangan, Melalap, Tenom and Beluran.
“Under the SMJ Development Plan initiative, the State Government, with the cooperation of the private sector, is actively building 662 affordable housing units, 502 of which will be made in Kinarut and another 160 in Tuaran.
“The State Government will also develop a new housing system, the Housing Information System, which is expected to be launched this year.”
He also said an efficient and effective solid waste management and public hygiene system will continue to be emphasised to improve general wellbeing and health and the quality of the State’s environment.
“Therefore, the State Government will focus on planning to build new and upgrade waste disposal sites and efforts to extend the lifespan of these sites.
“Initiatives to reduce waste will also be strengthened by providing 3R Cabin Collector Centre, Food Waste Composter and Sustainability Centre to local authorities.
“In line with the drafting of the Solid Waste Management and Public Hygiene Enactment 2022, the State Government will prepare draft regulations for the enactment so that its application can be enforced this year,” he said.
In land use development planning, he said, the focus would continue to be given to prepare local plans to assist the State Government, especially the local authorities, in formulating strategic directions for the development of urban and rural areas.
This year, the State Government aims to implement four new local plans, namely Kota Belud Local Plan, Tenom Local Plan, Nabawan Local Plan and Kimanis Local Plan.
Meanwhile, the State Government will intensify works on improving infrastructure and utility facilities, including speeding up the implementation of the Pan Borneo Highway Project and the Sepanggar Bay Container Port expansion project.
“In addition, the State Government will strengthen the planning initiative to install satellite technology internet facilities (VSATs) in 300 locations identified this year to ensure that the State achieves 100 per cent internet connectivity by 2024, which is expected to benefit the people in rural areas.
“Implementing the National Digital Network (Jendela) programme, which involves new construction, upgrading and increasing the reach of fibre optic lines, will also be strengthened,” he said.
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