KOTA KINABALU: Various high impact government development programmes implemented last year have brought about significant changes in the socio-economic landscape of Sabah, especially in the state capital, where drastic improvements were made through several iconic projects, said Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.
He said 2013 has been a meaningful year in the development history of Kota Kinabalu, filled with high impact projects that have set the stage for rapid progress.
“Indeed, I am proud with the government’s commendable effort in implementing various projects that will have positive impact on the well being of the people,” he said in his policy speech at the opening of State Assembly Sitting here yesterday.
Juhar said among these projects were the construction of a jogging and cycling track spanning 5.2 kilometres along Likas Bay and the new building at Queen Elizabeth Hospital 1, as well as several private health centres that will be built soon.
Other major undertakings, such as the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront and Sabah International Convention Centre, which are currently still ongoing, will further uplift the image of the city once fully completed.
Implemented with emphasis on environmental friendly and green technology approach, these projects will be a great addition that would significantly improve the living quality of the people.
The Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) in Kota Kinabalu, which came on line since December last year, has provided additional services for the City dwellers, allowing them to attend to most of their government-related matters at a convenient one-stop facility.
Elsewhere, he said, mega projects carried out last year, such as the Sabah Ammonia Urea project in Sipitang and the geothermal power plant in Tawau, had provided employment and economic opportunities for the locals.
Meanwhile, Juhar commended the excellent performance the State has achieved in developing its tourism sector, which has continued to record impressive growth with an increase of 17.6 per cent in tourist arrivals last year.
He noted the 3.38 million visitors recorded in 2013 had far exceeded the initial target of 3 million tourists.
With uptrend expected to continue, he said, Sabah has set target of 3.5 million tourists for this year with a tourism receipt of no less than RM6.635 billion.
“I believe this performance will boost the confidence of airlines to increase their services to Sabah. Currently, we have 146 direct flights weekly to 17 international destinations with a total capacity of 22,829 passengers,” he said, adding that Sabah recorded 262 additional chartered flights carrying 39,571 passengers last year.
As of January, 289,353 tourists were recorded in Sabah, representing an increase of 23.1 percent compared to the corresponding period in 2103.