KENINGAU: Nearly a dozen NGOs and Chinese associations here are against the proposed cancellation of part of the airport reserve land of 46,800 hectares on the Keningau-Apin-Apin road.
Those who submitted a memo on this to an officer at the Keningau Land and Survey Department, Thursday, comprised Sabah Keningau Hainan Association represented by Tan See Beo, Sabah Interior Teo Chew Association (Ang Lui Meng), Chi Kung God Believers Association Sabah Keningau (Lee Chew Piang), Wu Ji Jiangmen Association (Fong Fui Min), Keningau Single Mothers Association (Manisha Engkor), Keningau Loong Chuan Association, Keningau Hakka Association (Wong Ah Mok), Sabah Unity Trust (Paul Kadau), Sabah Crime Awareness and Community Security Organisation (Engah Sintan @ Dahlan Abdullah), Keningau Hokkian Association (Cleyrence Lee), former Keningau Custom Holders (James Henry) and Wu Yip.
They cited historical heritage factors, emergency factors, economic factors and current significant factors.
Deputy Chairman of the Keningau Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Ang Lui Meng, who represents Keningau’s Chinese associations and other NGOs, said they are against the proposed reclamation of part of the Keningau airport reserve land.
SPONSORED CONTENT Over 20 units booked at The Horizon’s grand launch Kota Kinabalu: The grand launch of The Horizon at Damai saw a good response with more than 20 condominium units booked, Sunday. Read more He said the airport was built in 1943 during the Japanese Occupation which used forced labour from the Keningu Chinese community.
“After the Second World War, this airport was used by Borneo Airways during the era of the British crown colony in 1946-1963 and after independence was used by Malaysia Airlines 1963-1989 as one of the transport systems in the interior.
“This includes the transport of British troops during the 1963-1966 Indonesian-Confrontation era and also the Keningau Field Police and Border Scouts by the Royal Malaysian Air Force from 1963 until the early 1990s,” he said.
Ang, who was also Chairman of Sabah Interior Teo Chew Association, said the airfield was also used during the search mission for the victims of the crashed Grumman jet in Kampung Ulu Senagang in 1991.
Also during Tropical Storm Greg 1996 as a hub for rescue teams.
“When the Tambunan and Kimanis roads were cut off, this airport was used for the delivery of emergency goods.
“In terms of economic factors, the advantage to the interior of Sabah when the new Indonesian capital is opened, Keningau will have great potential to grow as a major hub for the transport, tourism and communication sectors.
“This airport can be used as a Flight Academy training centre, being one of the airports in interior Sabah that is still operating,” he said.
Ang said although domestic flights were terminated at the end of the 1980s, this airport is still used today by the Royal Malaysian Air Force, the Royal Malaysian Police and also the Microlight Sports Club.
He said the airport is used for official visits of dignitaries, rescue missions, emergencies and natural disasters.
“I hope the concerned parties can provide the reasons for the cancellation of part of the airport’s reserve land and also consider our objections to avoid misunderstandings and at the same time preserve this airport,” he said.
Manisha Engkor, who represents the Association of Single Mothers, said there was no presentation or general notification of planning on the reserve land other than what has been gazetted.
She thinks the reserve land is more suitable to be developed as it has been gazetted. Since Keningau is the main district administrative centre for the interior and its nearest districts, the priority for the use of the land to be used as it was originally needs to be maintained, especially if there is an emergency or urgent need.
“We think there is no need for the land to be developed as a residential, factory or commercial complex considering that currently there are still similar developments that exceed the existing requirements.
“We think it will be better if Keningau maintains its identity as an Agricultural and Traditional District. What Keningau needs is good infrastructure and basic improvements rather than buildings,” she said.
“We reject any form of abuse or ownership of the land by interested parties, companies or individuals. We want the only main reserve land in Keningau to be maintained as a reserve land for the people of Keningau,” she said.
Manisha said if the Government intends to use the reserve land as a settlement centre, it is an unwise move because there will definitely be bureaucracy that will harm some parties.
“It will be better if the Government developed an abandoned government housing area to be used as a housing site for the poor than build it on the reserve land considering its value and main needs.
“If the Government intends to make the reserve land a security hub - it is a good plan. However, we think the land should remain fully owned by the State Government instead of being transferred to the Federal Government.
“We suggest this airport reserve land remains as advertised and if it needs to be developed. It will be more beneficial if made into a tropical forest recreation area and eco-tourism within the city.”
APS said the Government should give priority to residents of Kg Tuarid Liawan if the plan proceeds. APS Vice President Paul Kadau recalled that the area was flooded during Tropical Storm Greg which claimed some 300 lives.
“Kg Tuarid Liawan residents appealed for the relocation of the villagers to the Keningau Airport reserve land but it was rejected at that time.
Paul said, Keningau Airport is located about 2.5km from Keningau Town. It was only used to accommodate small aircraft or Fokker 50s. He said at that time the runway was grass and the last flight by Malaysia Airlines to Keningau Airport was in the 1970s.
He said the airport is currently used by the Microlight Flight Sports Club. “It is understood that the Keningau Airport is privately owned and the question is who is the person?
“Has the matter been brought up and discussed in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly?” he asked.
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