KUALA PENYU: Efforts are being made to attract more investments and tourists to Kuala Penyu by capitalising on the district’s potential to be a top eco-tourism attraction, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
He said the district had been fortunate with several mega development projects being planned such as the Sitompok Bridge, schools and most recently replacement of old water pipe mains from Limbawang to Kayul costing RM50 million as well as the RM226 million water treatment plant as announced by the Prime Minister during his visit to Beaufort.
“These projects would not only benefit the people in Beaufort but also Kuala Penyu. This is what we want a leader who listens … whatever we ask it will be readily considered for approval.
“But it does not end here and we must not be easily satisfied, what is important is that more will come for Kuala Penyu. Since it is a very beautiful place our plan is to attract more tourists to come.
“With more tourists coming and investments, there will be job opportunities for the local community at the same time creating economic spin offs that inevitably benefit the whole district,” he said.
Speaking at the Chinese New Year open house hosted by Upko Beaufort at Dewan Dato Shahbandar Makang here Monday, Musa who is also Finance Minister said it was crucial that the people should not be influenced by leaders from the opposition here.
“If we look at these so-called leaders most of them are actually recycled leaders,” he said.
According to him, the people should look for a leader who has a vision to improve the district and always finding ways as well as a means to develop the district and surrounding areas like Mempakul and Menumbok, especially in the tourism area.
“Attending wedding receptions or funeral alone is not enough,” he said.
He said the State’s financial account had been endorsed and verified to be among the best managed in the country by the Auditor-General.
He reiterated that the people here, just like in other parts of Sabah, were wise and politically-matured so they would know how to reciprocate during the general election if the BN government and leaders had done good things for them.
He said the BN government had a proven track record, particularly in fulfilling its promises to the people, unlike the opposition pact, Pakatan Rakyat.
Musa pointed to out that Selangor used to be so developed under the BN government but now was going totally the opposite under the Pakatan state government.
“So this is clear proof that they (opposition) make promises that they cannot keep … so we must make sure we do not make the mistake (during election),” he said.
Towards this end, Musa said the present government under the leadership of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had been very attentive to the needs of the people irrespective of race and religion.
“Billions of ringgit have been received from the Federal Government for the development of the state, including Kuala Penyu and I would like to thank the Prime Minister for giving more development projects to the state during his recent visit to Sabah,” he said.
During his visit to Beaufort, Papar and Tuaran recently, the Prime Minister was so pleased to see the strong unity among the people.
“We have so many different ethnic groups in Sabah but what is special is that we celebrate all festivals together and Kuala Penyu is no exception.
“We need to continue preserving this culture so that we can continue to live in peace and harmony as well as helping one another,” he said.
More than 3,000 people attended the open house here.
Later, Musa was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Yahya Hussin, Upko Beaufort chief Datuk Wences Anggang, Kuala Penyu assemblyman John Teo Mau Sing, State BN secretary Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan and Umno Beaufort acting chief Isnin Ali Asneh presented ang pows to the senior citizens here.