Kota Kinabalu: Rusdin said Ranau remained one of Sabah’s key districts with strong domestic and global tourism appeal. While acknowledging ongoing government projects, he called for improvements to ensure development was implemented more effectively and sustainably for the long-term wellbeing of the district.
He highlighted the lack of a structured, planned and comprehensive public transport system in Ranau, saying the absence of feeder bus services had created significant mobility gaps between rural areas and town centres, affecting residents and tourist movement.
“As a tourism hub, an integrated public transport system is no longer a policy option but a structural necessity,” he said, urging development funds to be utilised to build rural public transport systems that support first- and last-mile connectivity and strengthen local community participation in the economy.
Rusdin also noted that nearly 40 per cent of road routes in Ranau remained unpaved, while many wooden bridges were ageing and no longer met safety or functional standards.
“Roads and bridges are critical enablers that connect rural areas to service centres and economic hubs,” he said, adding that weak infrastructure directly affected mobility and tourism.
He called for priority to be given to upgrading unpaved roads, replacing dilapidated bridges and improving the service level of state roads to ensure more balanced and effective development in Ranau.
Rusdin further proposed the construction of rest and service (R&R) areas along major routes as part of transport-oriented development, saying such facilities could serve as economic spillover nodes that stimulate local entrepreneurship.
“Strategically planned R&R facilities can reduce traffic congestion in Ranau town and create local value chains through community participation in services, food and community-based tourism,” he said, citing areas such as Nunuk Ragang, Sagindai, Kilimu and Monggis as having high potential.
He also called for Ranau’s development to be supported by sustainable energy systems and digital connectivity, including hydropower potential studies and proposed solar energy generation at Lohan Tailing Dam, in line with energy security and sustainable development goals.
In addition, he said the provision of community WiFi in strategic rural areas was an investment in digital inclusion and human capital development, particularly for education, small-scale entrepreneurship and public service delivery.
“Investment in clean energy and digital infrastructure not only improves quality of life but also strengthens the long-term competitiveness of rural economies,” he said.
Specifically for Paginatan, Rusdin expressed hope that the development of the new or small township of Paginatan would be continued and expedited, saying it was a long-standing aspiration of the local community.
In closing, he urged that the Sabah Budget 2026 be implemented efficiently without being hindered by bureaucratic delays.
“Well-planned initiatives should not remain as documents on paper. The people of Sabah need development that can truly be felt,” he said, adding that while not all issues could be resolved overnight, the public expected positive, consistent and continuous progress as proof of the government’s commitment.
He expressed confidence that with focused and efficient implementation, Budget 2026 could serve as a catalyst for real change and bring Sabah towards more balanced, inclusive and sustainable development.
