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Daily Express
10 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Devt dilemma: How Sabah can learn from Penang
Published on: Monday, June 23, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 23, 2025 By: Dr Iling Ma, Dg Shamimi Yusri Text Size: Sabah, while rich in natural and cultural assets, has not yet fully capitalised on its potential. Tourism remains underdeveloped in many areas, and access to rural communities remains limited. Products made by local entrepreneurs often struggle to reach wider markets. PENANG'S success in developing a diversified economy anchored in digital innovation, industrial growth, and a thriving tourism sector serves as a compelling model for other Malaysian states. While Penang's development has been shaped by its own history, location and population, there are strategies that could help Sabah strengthen its socio-economic growth. The goal is not to replicate Penang's model but to reflect on Sabah's unique context and apply lessons that are practical and relevant. Sabah has long been appreciated for its natural landscapes and diverse cultures. The State is home to over 30 indigenous groups, each with distinct languages, customs, and traditions. From the Kadazan-Dusun and Murut in the interior to the Bajau and Suluk along the eastern coast, Sabah's social fabric is rich and multifaceted. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Pasir Gudang youth centre opens soon
The new Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre Pasir Gudang is expected to officially open on May 24. Mayor: Recreational hub will have go-kart track, food trucks, meeting facilities PASIR Gudang residents have been urged to fully utilise the facilities at the soon-to-be-launched Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre (TMIYC) and to maintain it as a shared community asset. Pasir Gudang mayor Datuk Mustaffa Kamal Shamsudin said the public must take ownership of the centre, built using taxpayers' money, and protect it from acts of vandalism. 'TMIYC Pasir Gudang is not just a recreational hub. It will also serve as a meeting place for discussions between government and private agencies. 'We expect to officially open the centre on May 24. 'It will have facilities such as a go-kart track, and food trucks,' he said during Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) full council meeting at Menara Aqabah. Mustaffa also said that residents should keep the facilities, including the toilets, clean, and refrain from littering. He urged those wishing to organise events at the centre to coordinate with MBPG to avoid scheduling conflicts. He added that the TMIYC would benefit residents living in flats, where space for recreational activities was limited. Meanwhile, MBPG Masai councillor and Pasir Gudang Tourism Association chairman Madyasir Ahmad Basir said efforts were underway to revitalise the local tourism sector. 'Among our unique assets are the Pasar Muafakat Sabah and Pasar Borneo; this is the only parliamentary constituency that hosts both markets,' he said. Madyasir said Pasar Muafakat Sabah, in particular, needed revitalisation through regular events. It also needed to diversify the products sold, beyond food offerings primarily from the Suluk community. He proposed developing it into a handicraft centre, promoting Sabah's diverse ethnic cultures such as the Kadazan-Dusun and Bugis, to attract more visitors. 'Many shops are operating more like general stores rather than selling authentic Sabah handicrafts. We must work with Tourism Johor to realise this vision,' he added. Meanwhile, MBPG Pasir Putih councillor Zainon Baharum raised several safety and maintenance concerns during the meeting. She highlighted the overgrown trees along the main road of Pasir Putih from the traffic lights to the children's playground at Jalan Selayang 10, where branches were touching electrical cables. 'This poses a serious risk, especially during storms. I urge the council to carry out regular tree pruning, even if it means trimming two or three trees a day,' she said. Zainon expressed concern too over the blocked drainage system along Jalan Selayang 10, noting that the resulting stagnant water could create mosquito breeding sites and elevate the risk of dengue outbreaks. She called for immediate cleaning and maintenance to address the issue. She also called on MBPG's Engineering Department to inspect the failing retaining walls of a major drain along Jalan Selasih 26, Taman Pasir Putih, cautioning that further collapse could compromise soil stability in the area. Zainon brought up the issue of lack of drain covers along Jalan Sagai near an industrial area, which she pointed out was a public safety hazard. 'This is a risk to pedestrians and motorists alike. It needs urgent attention,' she stressed.
