Junz
KOTA KINABALU: Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, Datuk Junz Wong, yesterday confirmed that the development plan (DP) of the proposed redevelopment of the Star City project has not been approved yet.
He said, the launching or sales of the Star City redevelopment project should not be held before the DP is approved and the land dispute resolved.
Junz said, he and Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Christina Liew, shared the same stand after discussing the latest development pertaining to the disputed land involving the Star City redevelopment project.
He said, the State Cabinet had discussed the matter in its meeting two weeks ago and it was decided that construction work on the land must cease immediately. At the same time, the State Cabinet has instructed the landowner, Sabah Urban Development Corporation (SUDC), to submit a report on the issue.
“Both the State Secretary, Datuk Seri Panglima Hashim Paijan, and Mayor Datuk Nordin Siman, have executed the State Cabinet’s instruction,” he disclosed.
However, he said, SUDC had yet to make its submission to the State Cabinet meeting on Wednesday as they needed more time to compile a detailed report.
“We do understand that SUDC requires sufficient time to prepare the report for the State Cabinet,” Junz said.
Nevertheless, Junz said, the Star City redevelopment project has not been approved yet.
“In theory, the project should not be launched or sold before the DP obtains approval and the land dispute is resolved,” Junz said.
He was also baffled as to why a launching ceremony for the project was held without DP approval and given that the land dispute had not been settled.
Junz warned the developer that undertaking sales activities for an unapproved project is an offence. He reminded interested investors not to purchase unapproved development projects to avoid potential problems in the future.
Junz also urged the Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) and the community to remain calm while the State Cabinet strives to resolve the issue.