BANGGI Assemblyman Datuk Mohammad Mohamarin proposed that the State Government establish a “Sabah Development Region,” which could be aligned with Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 (SMJ2.0) or future plans such as SMJ3.0 to tackle the issue of uneven development across the State.
Mohamarin said the region should be divided into six zones, with each zone consisting of several districts tailored accordingly.
He explained that Sabah’s development direction, which focuses on four key pillars — economic growth, people’s well-being, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure strengthening — should be emphasised and implemented throughout the state.
However, he voiced concerns over the imbalance of development between districts, between rural and urban areas, and between focus areas and those that are often overlooked, resulting in developed areas becoming more advanced while neglected areas fall further behind.
Mohamarin said the proposal would also enable the government, ministries, relevant agencies, and elected representatives to plan, implement, and monitor strategic plans more efficiently for various sectors, including foreign investment, infrastructure projects, tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture, based on designated regions.
“If implemented, each region will have a ‘major project’ that will not only serve as a landmark but also drive the growth of small and medium industries. This will certainly boost the people’s economy and strengthen inter-district connections within each region,” he said.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of nearly 30,000 residents in his constituency, Mohammad outlined several requests to various ministries for the welfare and interests of the people of Pulau Banggi.
Among them, he urged the Ministry of Finance to expedite funding for the construction of a multipurpose hall and sports complex, which was announced by the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor last year.
Under the Ministry of Works and Utilities, Pulau Banggi is seeking a fully paved road network across the island, including repairs to the severely damaged and pothole-ridden road from Pekan Karakit to Kampung Limbuat Laut, as well as urgent maintenance of main access roads to Kampung Semaian, Rahmat, and Dogoton.
From the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, Pulau Banggi residents are hoping for expedited allocation for the construction of a fire station, in line with its status as a sub-district.
Mohammad also requested funding or development of shop houses and business premises, as well as the introduction of ferry transport services to improve transportation efficiency on the island, under the Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport.
In addition, he sought clarification on the allocation status of an ambulance boat for the Pulau Banggi Health Clinic from the Ministry of Women, Health, and Community Wellbeing.
