Sook now a full district following a detailed review, fulfilment of key criteria

Daily Express

02-05-2025

Published on: Thursday, May 01, 2025
Published on: Thu, May 01, 2025
By: Marutin Ansiung Text Size: Hajiji, accompanied by Ellron, being welcomed by government officials upon arrival in Sook. SOOK: Sook has been gazetted as a full district following a detailed review and the fulfilment of key criteria, including a population of over 30,000 residents. Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin said the move followed a detailed study conducted by the Sabah Institute for Development Studies (IDS), which confirmed that Sook had fulfilled the recognised government criteria for district status. Ellron, who is also Sook Assemblyman, said one of the main conditions was a minimum population of 30,000 residents. Based on figures from the Community Development Leaders Unit (UPPM) in Sook and Tulid, the current population stands at 62,171, he said. 'This means that, population-wise, Sook qualifies to be upgraded from a sub-district to a full district,' he said during the launch of the Sook District Status Upgrade at the Sook District Office compound on Monday. The ceremony was officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. Ellron noted that the proposal to elevate Sook's status was tabled at the State Cabinet meeting on Jan 24, 2024 and was approved in principle, subject to several technical conditions. Other key criteria included an organised and clustered settlement pattern to facilitate efficient government administration and service delivery. 'The residential pattern in Sook is well-structured and complemented by an established road and telecommunications network, enabling smooth delivery of government services and better monitoring of economic and social activities,' he said. He added that the workload at the Sook sub-district office had increased significantly in recent years, matching that of a full district office, which further justified the upgrade. Previously, limited administrative powers meant many matters had to be referred to Keningau District Office. 'Sook currently has a road network spanning 519.17 kilometres, with most areas accessible by road. 'Additionally, the ongoing road upgrade project from Sinaron to Tongod, covering 40km, is expected to open new economic opportunities and spur the creation of commercial and industrial zones,' he said. Ellron also said the availability of public amenities such as healthcare and educational facilities, houses of worship, community halls, sports courts, and recreational areas as further supporting factors for the district upgrade. Public utilities such as electricity, clean treated water, and telecommunications services are now widely accessible in the area. A large portion of the population is engaged in agriculture, with 69,609 hectares of land already cultivated, mostly for oil palm, rubber, paddy, coffee, cocoa, fruit and cash crops. 'This elevation in status is the result of careful planning and collaboration among various parties,' he added. In conjunction with the historic occasion, Ellron representing Sook communities, thanked the State Government, especially the Chief Minister, IDS, the Assistant District Officer of Sook, heads of government departments, and neighbouring districts Keningau, Tambunan, Ranau, Tongod, Nabawan, Tenom and Kemabong for their support during the evaluation process. With its new district status, Sook is expected to benefit from improved infrastructure, greater economic development opportunities, and enhanced access to education and employment for its residents. Ellron urged the people of Sook to work together to ensure balanced and sustainable development in the district. 'Today's celebration is not only a mark of success but a symbol of unity and collective aspiration to progress as one community,' he said, adding that he believed Sook would continue to flourish as a prosperous and exemplary district in the state. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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