Kota Kinabalu: The RM88 million BAS.MY Kota Kinabalu project and the upgrading of major public spaces were among the key initiatives discussed during the Kota Kinabalu District Development Action Meeting on Sunday to ensure urban planning keeps pace with the city’s rapid growth.
Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, provided an important platform to review the progress of these development initiatives and pressing issues affecting the district.
Chan, who is also Kota Kinabalu Member of Parliament, said the stage bus initiative, scheduled to be fully rolled out by June this year, will introduce 48 buses across eight routes and is expected to benefit between 50,000 and 150,000 regular users to significantly improve public transport connectivity.
On efforts to enhance tourism assets, Chan highlighted the RM12 million upgrading of the historic Atkinson Clock Tower area completed in September last year, alongside ongoing improvements at Taman Awam Teluk Likas and the Tun Fuad Stephens Botanical Garden.
“The development also includes a 4.3km coastal jogging and cycling path that will promote healthier lifestyles while strengthening the city’s eco-tourism appeal,” he said, in a statement, Monday.
Meanwhile, Chan noted that during the meeting, the Prime Minister delivered a clear and firm message that there must be no excuses for project delays caused by inefficiency or bureaucratic hurdles.
“He stressed that every delay ultimately affects the quality of life of the people and undermines the State’s potential for growth and development,” he said expressing his full support for the Prime Minister’s call for accountability.
He also conveyed his appreciation to Anwar, Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming for their leadership in advancing these initiatives for the city.
“I will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure that development in the city is inclusive, sustainable and responsive to the needs of the people.
“Kota Kinabalu has immense potential. With strong cooperation from the Federal and State governments, we can continue to strengthen the city as a vibrant, liveable and forward-looking capital of Sabah.”
