Sook's transformation: Major infrastructure upgrades set to propel growth
KOTA KINABALU: Despite its remote location in the interior of Sabah, Sook is not being left behind in terms of development, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Sook, situated east of Keningau and northwest of Nabawan, is part of Sabah's rural interior and is well-known for its agricultural activities. It lies about 150 to 180 kilometres from the state capital.
Hajiji said that several key infrastructure projects were currently underway in Sook, including two major road paving initiatives — the 40km Sinaron, Sook to Linayukan, Tongod road, valued at RM320 million, and the 22.85km Rancangan Belia Tiulon, Sook road, valued at RM127 million, both of which are under construction.
"With the completion of these paved roads, travel time and costs will be reduced, which will, in turn, stimulate local economic growth," he said during the launch of the upgrading of Sook to a full district at the Sook District Secretariat Building in Keningau on Monday.
Regarding educational development, Hajiji said that four new schools were currently being built — Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Ambual, SK Rancangan Belia Tiulon, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Dalit, and SMK Trusmadi, all of which are nearing completion.
The upgrading of healthcare facilities and power infrastructure was also completed last year. This includes the nearly RM1 million upgrade of Klinik Kesihatan Sook, as well as the construction of Klinik Desa Karamatoi and Klinik Desa Marapok, each valued at RM600,000.
"Additionally, 120 residents have benefited from the Rumah Mesra SMJ programme from 2022 to 2024, amounting to nearly RM9.6 million in Sook. In 2025, the state government has allocated RM6.4 million to build 80 more SMJ houses in Sook," he added.
Other planned developments include the construction of a sports complex, a district hospital, a district police station, and an expansion of the Sook health clinic area.
In conjunction with the event, Hajiji also approved an allocation of RM2 million for the construction of the Dewan Terbuka Daerah Sook and the upgrading of the Sook District Secretariat Building.
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