Kota Kinabalu: The City Hall (DBKK) has dismissed allegations that the rezoning of Lot 602 at Jalan Sang Kancil was carried out secretly, clarifying that planning approval was granted strictly within the statutory framework.
The local authority said the development plan was approved on Nov 11, 2025, following technical evaluation by relevant authorities and agencies in accordance with established procedures, consistent with its earlier written reply to residents.
DBKK explained that the application was processed under Section 15 of the Town and Country Planning Ordinance (Sabah Cap 141), which empowers a local authority to grant development permission with the approval of the Central Board during an interim planning period.
It stated that it is incorrect to conflate the development approval with the zoning of the land, which was established during the preparation of the Draft Kota Kinabalu Local Plan 2020 (DKKLP2020) years prior through statutory public consultations.
According to City Hall, public notices were published in September 2011, followed by two public exhibition and objection periods held between 2011 and 2014, during which no objections were received requesting the site be zoned as Low Density Residential.
While maintaining respect for the public's right to raise genuine concerns through proper administrative channels, DBKK urged all parties to verify facts with City Hall before repeating allegations regarding its statutory functions.
DBKK added that it reserves all legal rights and remedies, and will consider appropriate legal action against any party that knowingly circulates false, defamatory, or misleading statements that damage the integrity and reputation of the authority or its officers.
