KINABATANGAN: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Kinabatangan deserves a new era of development to ensure people in the district benefit from greater progress under the State Government.
He said the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Government has clearly outlined development plans for the district through the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap, covering the economy, education and people’s well-being.
“Sometimes we wonder why some quarters refuse to acknowledge what has been achieved.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});“We have a track record of helping the people and uplifting the economy through the three main sectors of industry, tourism and agriculture,” he said at launching the groundbreaking ceremony for Seri Milian New Township at Kota Kinabatangan’s Open Terminal Square on Friday.
In conjunction with the event, Hajiji also presented 255 Native Title Land Programme Survey (Pantas) land titles for the Lamag constituency covering 582.426 hectares (1,439.21 acres), land grants to the Kinabatangan District Council involving 157.48 acres, and three Panatas titles for the Sukau constituency covering 16.224 hectares (40.09 acres).
Present were State Community Development and People’s Well-being Minister Datuk James Ratib, Housing and Urban Development Board Chairman Datuk Masiung Banah and Housing and Local Government Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Jamili Nais, together with Kinabatangan district officials.
Hajiji highlighted several achievements of his administration, including human capital development, improving people’s well-being, and increasing State revenue from oil and gas.
He said the funds were channelled back to the people through initiatives such as a RM300 monthly allowance for a year to poor and hardcore poor households, benefiting over 10,000 recipients.
The SMJ Affordable Housing Programme was also expanded to 40 units in each state constituency, including Lamag and Sukau, to provide better living standards for the people.
In addition, the State Government through the Community Development and People’s Well-being Ministry distributed 100 dialysis machines to government hospitals and clinics statewide to provide free treatment for kidney patients.
“Under the SMJ, we have recorded over 400 initiatives, of which 94 per cent have already been implemented. Unfortunately, the opposition pretends not to see these efforts,” he said.
Hajiji, who is also GRS Chairman, urged voters in Lamag and Sukau to make the right choice in the upcoming 17th State Election to avoid being left behind in development.
“Only the government of the day can deliver. GRS is the government now, and God willing, will continue after the next election. Use your wisdom, don’t be swayed by social media, which is full of slander and lies.
“We want a positive society that works hard for progress, not one that indulges in daily insults and slander,” he said.
On the Seri Milian New Township, Hajiji said the project will be a “game changer” that transforms Kinabatangan within the next five to 10 years.
The 157.48-acre mixed development project will serve as a new focal point between major towns such as Tawau, Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu.
“This development comes at the right time as it can drive economic growth by providing commercial lots, small and medium industries, as well as job opportunities for the local community,” said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Joachim Gunsalam.
The township’s strategic location also has the potential to attract new investors, particularly in industrial buildings to support the existing oil palm sector, while encouraging both domestic and international tourists to stay overnight before continuing to eco-tourism spots in the district.
The project, a joint venture with Sunmow Construction Sdn Bhd under a design, build and finance model, will feature modern facilities including 58 units of 1½-storey semi-detached light industrial lots, 80 units of two-storey terrace industrial lots, 256 units of two-storey shop offices, 548 single-storey terrace houses, a 13-storey hotel with 200 rooms, mosque, petrol station, tourism information centre, supermarket, futsal hall, food court, open car park and the new Kinabatangan District Council office.
“This development will raise surrounding property values, increase local council revenue through assessment rates, service charges, licensing and rental of premises, and more importantly, add to the supply of affordable housing for the people,” said Joachim.
Joachim described the township as a development leap for Kinabatangan, transforming Kota Kinabatangan and driving new urban growth in surrounding areas.
“I believe this project will become a catalyst for other development plans already drawn up with the District Council for the benefit of the local community, with the support and approval of the State Government,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to Hajiji for approving and supporting the project, and thanked all parties involved in the groundbreaking ceremony.
