SEMPORNA: The Sabah Government has spent more than RM1 billion to address water supply-related problems in the State, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the allocation included replacing water pipes in most districts in Sabah due to ageing pipes, including those that had been stolen.
“In addition, one of the two or three major (water) projects will be ready by the end of this year, while the project in Tawau is about 50 to 60 per cent complete,” he said after officiating the launch of 106 units of double-storey shoplots under Phase One and the ground-breaking ceremony for Phases Two and Three of the Housing and Urban Development Board (LPPB) commercial project at Jalan Bubul, here, Tuesday.
He added that the Government was working on addressing the issues of basic water, electricity and road facilities that the people have been facing for a long time.
Hajiji said the Government currently had an open policy towards investment, or was investor-friendly, to ensure Sabah continued to progress, including economically.
“We have formulated a policy to facilitate developers and foreign investors coming to Sabah because when there is investment, economic activities will run smoothly and employment opportunities can be created for the people. This is something we encourage,” he said.
He also stressed that the development of Sabah was not solely the Government’s responsibility, but required cooperation from all parties, including the private sector, implementation agencies, entrepreneurs and the people.
“We do not want Sabah merely as a place for investment. We want Sabahans to be part of that investment and growth,” he said.
Hajiji said this year marked the beginning of a new phase of Sabah’s development through the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 (SMJ 2.0) development direction for 2026 to 2030, as a continuation of efforts implemented under SMJ 1.0.
He said SMJ 2.0 was structured with the aim of enhancing Sabah’s competitiveness, productivity and economic value, while ensuring development remained inclusive and sustainable.
“We want a Sabah with a more diversified economy, more opportunities for the people and human capital that is better prepared to face the economy of the future. And we want development that ultimately improves the people’s well-being,” he said.
Earlier, in his speech, Hajiji said Sabah’s development should not only be viewed from the perspective of Kota Kinabalu or the State’s major towns, but should be intensified in every district according to the “strengths” of each area to ensure continued growth.
On the LPPB project launch, he said it should be seen as part of Sabah’s development journey and not merely as a commercial project.
“Semporna has highly valuable natural assets, namely the beauty of its islands. However, to ensure this potential is translated into greater economic benefits for the people, we need complementary development,” he added.
He said the strategic location of the Jalan Bubul commercial area along the main Balung-Semporna route provided the potential for the area to develop into one of the State’s new trade and business areas.
He said the development area also had the advantage of being located near a river and the sea, making it suitable for consideration by developers for the construction of a jetty.
He added that a suitable and beautiful jetty can add value to the area, allowing people to enjoy the river and sea views, relax, watch the sunset and take photographs.
