KOTA MARUDU: The district will be equipped with a new State Library branch aimed at providing a more conducive, comfortable and inclusive facility for students, youths, small entrepreneurs and the local community.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Kota Marudu State Library was officiated by Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib here on Monday.
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James said the project symbolises the State Government’s continued commitment to strengthening access to education, empowering a culture of literacy and ensuring that people in every district are not left behind in knowledge and technological development.
He said in the digital era and knowledge-based economy, libraries serve as centres for lifelong learning, community hubs, digital information reference points and innovation spaces that support human capital development.
“We want to see this library become a knowledge space that is consistently visited and utilised by all levels of society in this district in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya aspiration," he said.
“The State Government always emphasises the development of education, science, technology and innovation as drivers of the state’s progress.
“Facilities such as this are crucial in narrowing the information access gap between urban and rural communities."
James expressed confidence that with careful planning and cooperation from all parties, the project would be implemented smoothly and in accordance with the stipulated specifications.
“We want this building not only to stand prominently in physical terms, but also to function optimally in meeting the needs of the local community,” he said.
He added that libraries play a significant role in strengthening reading culture and digital literacy, noting that the Sabah State Library currently operates 25 branches and 73 rural libraries statewide, and expressed appreciation to Director George Yih and staff for their efforts in enhancing library services.
