Kota Kinabalu: An interim committee formed by the State Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship (MIDE) will manage the Sabah Trade Centre (STC) building during this transitional period.
MIDE Minister’s Public Relations Secretary Amos Thien Tze Tin said all current rental collections would be directed to the Government, ensuring transparency and accountability.
“For existing tenants and vendors in the night market within the car park area, the Government will collaborate with local authorities to manage and oversee operations.
“With the Cabinet’s decision to bring the Sabah Trade Centre under the jurisdiction of MIDE, the Government is dedicated to initiating a proper redevelopment plan aimed at enhancing infrastructure and amenities, ultimately benefiting the local communities across Sabah,” he said in a statement.
SPONSORED CONTENT 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 The Sabah Cabinet recently reversed its decision made 10 years ago to sell the land where STC sits on.
Instead, it has instructed MIDE to formulate a comprehensive future redevelopment plan incorporating a redevelopment strategy.
On Sept 6, 2023, following thorough consultations with various government agencies, including the Sabah State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN Sabah) and the Attorney General Chambers (AGC), the Cabinet decided to vacate STC due to the absence of an occupation certificate (OC), which raised significant safety concerns.
“Any parties interested in operating within the Sabah Trade Centre must be aware of its lack of an occupation certificate (OC) and its legal implications.
“To address this issue, the STC must undergo revitalisation or redevelopment to obtain the OC. The Government emphasises its commitment to abiding by existing laws and avoiding any irregularities.
“Operating in a building without a proper OC poses serious risks, including potential harm or fatalities.
“Therefore, our Ministry decided to uphold the law and regulations accordingly by vacating the building,” Amos said.
Local Bumiputera Management Company MB Managers and Consultants sought help from the State Government on Wednesday as they were forced to vacate the premises within 72 hours in November last year.
However, its spokesperson, Iskandar Shah Ali said the abrupt eviction could not be done as the SESB has cut off power to the building, causing complete darkness, apart from the building entrance being boarded up and chained, stopping them from removing their property inside.
