Telipok: Tamparuli should be upgraded into a full district to accelerate development, improve public service delivery and strengthen efforts to eradicate poverty, said UPPM Tamparuli Community Development Leader Jeffry Teo.
Representing Tuaran Member of Parliament cum Tamparuli Assemblyman Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau at a Kaamatan Festival celebration in Kg Bukit Giling here, recently, Jeffry said the proposal reflects the growing importance of Tamparuli as an administrative, economic and population centre within the Tuaran parliamentary constituency.
“We want Tamparuli to become a full district. With the support of community leaders and the people, we can strengthen development efforts and ensure that government services reach those who need them most,” he said.
According to Jeffry, the move would allow for more focused planning, faster implementation of development projects and better coordination of government services for residents in Tamparuli and its surrounding villages.
He said poverty eradication remains one of the area’s key challenges, adding that many families continue to require assistance and greater access to economic opportunities.
“We cannot rely solely on aid. What is important is how we create economic opportunities and help people move out of poverty through sustainable development,” he said in his speech at the event.
Jeffry stressed that economic development must be driven by investment, entrepreneurship and job creation, particularly in rural communities.
He cited the presence of a Taiwan-linked investment in the area as an example of how industries can generate employment and stimulate local economic growth.
“We want more companies to come to our area so that our people can learn new skills, secure jobs and participate in the new economy,” he said.
He acknowledged that upgrading Tamparuli into a full district would require the fulfilment of several state government criteria, including population size, administrative capacity, clearly defined boundaries, economic viability and the ability to support key government agencies and public services.
He noted that recent upgrades of areas such as Sook and Paitan into full districts demonstrated the Sabah Government’s willingness to consider district status for areas that have shown population growth, development potential and administrative readiness.
“Tamparuli has long served as an important administrative and economic centre for the surrounding rural communities, and we believe it has the potential to meet those requirements in the near future,” he said.
Located about 35 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu, Tamparuli is one of the main commercial and service centres along Sabah’s west coast and serves as a gateway to the state’s interior districts.
The town also serves as a strategic location linking Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran and the interior.
Although it has long functioned as a regional hub for surrounding villages, Tamparuli remains a sub-district under the Tuaran District administration. Residents currently depend on district-level government services based in Tuaran.
Supporters of the proposal argue that district status would enable more direct administration, improved public service delivery and greater autonomy in planning and implementing development initiatives.
At the same time, Jeffry emphasised that development should not come at the expense of cultural identity, noting that the Harvest Festival serves as an important platform for preserving traditions and passing them on to younger generations.
“The Kaamatan Festival is not only a celebration of thanksgiving and culture but also an opportunity to strengthen unity among communities and ensure our cultural heritage remains alive,” he said.
The celebration brought together village leaders, residents and guests from various communities, reflecting the spirit of unity and cultural diversity that continues to define the area.
The event also saw Sabah Rubber Development Board (LIGS) Chairman Datuk Seri Jahid Jahim, who was formerly Tamparuli assemblyman, signing a plaque to mark the opening of an upgrading of a multipurpose hall in Kg Bukit Giling.
He said he was pleased the State-funded RM150,000 multipurpose hall has benefited the villagers and surrounding areas as it is equipped with three air-conditioning, an office for the village chief and an office for the JKKK Chairman.
He also called on the villagers to maintain and take care of the hall as their own.
“Now the villagers of Kg Bukit Giling have a hall of their own to organise community activities and annual celebrations. It stands proudly and as a symbol of community unity in the village,” Jahid said.
Organising Chairman of the event, Henry Kinsun said The Kaamatan Festival continues to play an important role in preserving the culture and heritage of the Kadazandusun, Murut, Rungus (KDMR) community while promoting unity and development for future generations.
He said the annual festivity symbolises gratitude for the blessings received and serves as a platform to safeguard customs, traditions and cultural heritage passed down through generations.
“The festival is not only about celebrating our heritage but also about ensuring that development continues to improve the well-being of our communities,” he said.
On the completion of the upgrading works for the multipurpose hall in Kg Bukit Giling, Henry said the community thanked Jahid for approving the development to the village when he was the then Minister of Rural Development.
He said the upgraded hall would continue to serve as the focal point for community, cultural, educational and social activities, while fostering greater unity among residents through improved and more comfortable facilities.
