Kota Kinabalu: Kota Kinabalu Warisan Information Chief Samuel Wong said the RM20 million Tun Fuad Stephens Botanical Garden upgrading project in Bukit Padang here is an example of wasteful spending and poor governance that fails to justify the massive public investment.
He said the taxpayer-funded project, which took nearly three years to complete, has left the public disappointed with results that fall far short of expectations.
“After years of closure and multiple delays, the park partially reopened on Oct 27, but there is little to show for RM20 million. The jogging paths are largely unchanged, the hillside still has torn canvas, and aside from minor improvements, the expenditure simply is not justified,” Samuel said.
He criticised politicians who rushed to take credit for the incomplete project, saying they should be watchdogs for public funds, not marketing agents for questionable projects.
He questioned the DBKK’s decision to hastily reopen the park when major sections remain closed, including hiking trails, the Botanical Centre, Commercial Plaza, Boardwalk and Lake Walk, Conservatory Park, Bamboo Corner and Herb Garden.
“Was this rushed reopening a politically motivated stunt ahead of the approaching state election?” he said.
He said that a genuine RM20 million botanical park should feature diverse plant species with educational signage, fully refurbished and widened jogging tracks, cycling paths, CCTV coverage, emergency call points, wheelchair accessibility, improved drainage and better community facilities.
He noted that the DBKK has been imposing Liquidated Ascertained Damages of RM2, 704.61 daily on the contractor since July 15, 2025, confirming the project remains incomplete despite reopening.
“RM20 million must bring visible transformation, not cosmetic changes. The public deserves transparency and accountability, not photo opportunities and political spin,” he said.
The project covers 17.86 hectares and was supposed to include new features such as a ginger garden, orchid and nepenthes conservatory, bamboo corner, herbal garden and botany play park.
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