RM34.2mil federal govt injection to boost Sandakan's public infrastructure

The Star

11-07-2025

SANDAKAN: The federal government has approved RM34.2mil to fund key infrastructure and community upgrades in Sandakan — Sabah's second-largest city, located on the state's east coast — as part of efforts to uplift living standards and drive local development.
The projects, under the Housing and Local Government Ministry, were announced during Minister Nga Kor Ming's working visit to Sandakan on Thursday (July 10), where he inspected eight sites earmarked for improvement.
The largest allocation — RM30mil — is for upgrading and building new landfill cells at the Labuk solid waste disposal site, with completion targeted by August 2027.
'The 3.8ha facility will be able to handle up to 200,000 metric tonnes of waste. This is crucial for Sandakan's goal of becoming a cleaner, more sustainable city,' Nga said during the visit, held under the ministry's Sentuhan Kasih outreach programme.
Nga said the visit was part of the unity government's continued commitment to ensure federal resources benefit Sabahans directly.
'This is not just about infrastructure — it's about uplifting quality of life. The unity government is committed to inclusive development that reaches all corners of the country, including Sabah,' he said.
Among the completed initiatives is the RM400,000 refurbishment of the Jalan Singapore community hall, which involved drainage upgrades, repainting, and structural repairs, and was completed in just two months.
Nearby, repainting works are ongoing at Taman Singapore Apartments, with four blocks — 62, 72, 73 and 74 — nearing completion. A total of RM1mil has been allocated under the Malaysia Housing Maintenance Fund (TPPM), including an additional RM500,000 for expanding the repainting scope. The project is expected to be fully completed by July 28.
'This initiative focuses on improving physical infrastructure and basic amenities to ensure safer, cleaner, and more comfortable living conditions for strata residents,' Nga said.
Sandakan is a coastal town located on the state's east coast, about 330km from the state capital Kota Kinabalu. With a population nearing half a million, it is known for its rich history, biodiversity, and role as one of Sabah's key urban centres.
Meanwhile, the ministry has also approved RM2mil for upgrading four major markets — Pasar Elopura, Pasar Kim Fung, Pasar Umum and Pasar Sim-Sim — with new tables and facilities aimed at improving hygiene and comfort for local traders.
Two more RM400,000 allocations will go towards sports facilities: a roof for the basketball court at Taman Indah Jaya, and upgrades to the futsal court at Harmoni low-cost housing.
Nga and his delegation also visited PR1MA's Residensi Borneo Cove project, where 94% of the 999 units have been sold and over 700 residents have moved in.
Built on a 9.53-acre site along Jalan Buli Sim Sim, the project features three residential blocks with a multipurpose hall, surau, futsal court, playground, kindergarten and nursery.
'The success of these projects is the result of strategic cooperation between KPKT, local authorities, and the Sabah state government. This strong synergy ensures effective oversight and maximum benefit to the people,' Nga said.
He added that these efforts reflect the ministry's broader mission to improve community well-being and ensure that development reaches all levels of society.