Kota Kinabalu: Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) has denied claims that the rezoning of land at Lot 602, Jalan Sang Kancil, was carried out “secretly” to facilitate a proposed development.
DBKK said the development approval for the property was granted through the proper statutory planning framework and was not made privately or outside established procedures.
It said the development plan was approved on Nov 11, 2025, following technical evaluation and consideration by the relevant authorities and agencies in accordance with planning requirements.
“This is consistent with DBKK’s earlier written response to the residents,” it said in a statement.
DBKK said the approval was processed under Section 15 of the Town and Country Planning Ordinance (Sabah Cap. 141), which provides for interim development control pending the coming into force of an approved planning scheme.
It said Section 15(2)(a) allows a local authority, with the necessary approval of the Central Board, to grant written permission for the development or construction, alteration, extension, repair or renewal of buildings within the area concerned.
“It is therefore incorrect to suggest that the approval of this development was the result of a ‘secret rezoning’ undertaken specifically for the benefit of the present development.
“These are two separate matters which should not be conflated,” it said.
DBKK said the zoning of the land originated from the preparation of the Draft Kota Kinabalu Local Plan 2020 (DKKLP2020), which began years before the current development application and included statutory public consultation.
Public notices were published from Sept 11 to 13, 2011, followed by a public exhibition and objection period from Sept 26, 2011 to Jan 26, 2012.
A second public exhibition and objection period was held from May 8 to June 6, 2014.
DBKK said its records showed that no objection was received during the first exhibition requesting that the zoning be changed to Low Density Residential.
It stressed that the planning and rezoning process under the DKKLP2020 was separate from the subsequent approval of the specific development under Section 15.
“The existence of a Section 15 approval does not mean that DBKK secretly rezoned the land for the developer.
“Rather, it means that the particular development proposal was considered through the statutory development-control mechanism provided by law,” it said.
DBKK said it respected the right of residents and the public to raise concerns and objections over developments in their neighbourhoods, adding that such views would continue to be considered through the appropriate channels.
However, it urged all parties to verify facts with City Hall before publishing or repeating allegations concerning its statutory functions.
DBKK also reserved its legal rights, saying it would consider appropriate legal action against anyone who knowingly or deliberately made, published or disseminated false statements concerning the council, its officers or statutory processes.
It said the move was necessary to protect the interests, reputation and integrity of City Hall and its administration.
DBKK said it remained committed to transparency, lawful administration and responsible urban development, while ensuring development in Kota Kinabalu was carried out in an orderly, sustainable and balanced manner.
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