Kota Kinabalu: The 180-day late six-storey car park in Foh Sang, Luyang, here, is slated for completion this October.
State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe was optimistic that it would be completed earlier.
He said apart from the Covid-19 pandemic, a safer exterior design was among the causes of its delay.
“There were worries of potential suicide risks in the previous wall cladding aesthetic, besides a rise in the price of raw materials.
SPONSORED CONTENT Sabah's Mengalum for world’s first net zero carbon island resort Taiwan’s Sinyi Group is on track to unveil the world’s first unique net zero carbon island resort on Mengalum Island. . Read more “But differences of opinions were ironed out last week with City Hall (DBKK), the Ministry of Local and Housing and contractor Juta Hajat.
“Now we can continue to acquire raw materials from suppliers,” he told reporters after their latest meeting at DBKK.
Phoong said it would be most auspicious to have the car park completed for the Mid-Autumn Festival, a lantern-lit traditional celebration for Luyang residents.
“The construction work could have been faster if not because of the 5pm limit for such work near housing areas. In the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP), big factories can be completed in 18 months.
“I thank Foh Sang shop owners and residents for their patience, given the limited construction space.”
Phoong said the building was about 73 per cent completed and would quickly reach 90 per cent after minor touch-ups and the installation of the wall cladding and parking bays.
He also said the building would be fully managed by City Hall.
“We will discuss with the Mayor on how to manage the building when the building is nearing completion,” he added.
Phoong said many people have been asking for stalls but applications are still closed, adding however that existing stalls at the back alley would be given priority so that something else can be built on their spot.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
