SANDAKAN: Kampung Pulau Shanghai in Batu Sapi has been selected as a Kampung Angkat Madani, paving the way for improvements to basic infrastructure, community facilities and environmental sustainability for its residents.
Deputy Human Resources Minister and Batu Sapi Member of Parliament Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said the initiative reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the living standards and well-being of rural communities under the Ekonomi Madani framework.
He was speaking at the launch of the Kampung Angkat Madani project in Kampung Pulau Shanghai, Batu Sapi, on Saturday.
Khairul Firdaus said the programme adopted the “Raising the Floor” approach, which aimed to ensure rural and underserved communities were not left behind in terms of basic amenities, safety and socioeconomic development.
“As part of the initiative, three bridges in the village, measuring 54.8 metres each, have been fully upgraded from deteriorated wooden structures to semi-concrete walkways.
“The improvements would enhance safety and provide more durable access for residents, particularly children and senior citizens,” he said.
Meanwhile, construction and upgrading works on the village community hall are underway. The facility is expected to serve as a focal point for community activities, gatherings and programmes to strengthen unity among residents.
The launch also featured a rubbish trap project aimed at reducing waste pollution in the waters surrounding the village.
Khairul Firdaus stressed that infrastructure development must go hand in hand with environmental protection, adding that the initiative also sought to foster greater awareness and responsibility among villagers in keeping their surroundings clean.
He urged residents to refrain from dumping rubbish into the sea or beneath their houses and to make proper use of the rubbish trap facility.
He said a clean marine environment was essential not only for the community’s well-being but also for preserving Sandakan’s aquatic ecosystem, which supported local livelihoods.
Khairul Firdaus called on residents to work together to make Kampung Pulau Shanghai a model for sustainable village development in Sandakan.
Through the Kampung Angkat Madani programme, the Government aims to improve basic infrastructure, access to essential services, safety and local economic opportunities while narrowing the development gap between rural and urban communities.
Khairul Firdaus (standing, left) speaks at the launch of the Kampung Angkat Madani project in Kampung Pulau Shanghai, Batu Sapi, on Saturday.
