Lui (right) and his deputy, Datuk Chang Chin Shin, JP, post a notice outside KKCCCI building in Kampung Air to inform its members about the postponement of the EGM.
KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) has postponed its Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) that was supposedly held yesterday (March 15) to decide on whether to accept the State Government’s offer for a land swap to resolve the dispute over the 7,200 square feet (sq ft) of land next to the Star City redevelopment project.
Its president, Datuk Michael Lui, said the chamber had decided to postpone the EGM at the last minute in light of the government’s call to suspend mass gatherings to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19).
Although the meeting yesterday was important to resolve the land dispute, he said the members’ health take precedence in the wake of the Covid-19 cases in Sabah.
“For the sake of our members’ health and in adherence to the government’s instruction, we have to postpone the EGM to a later date at the last minute.
“We apologize for the inconvenience,” he said when met yesterday.
With the intervention of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Shafie Apdal, the State Government has offered KKCCCI a 107,636 square feet (sq ft) of state land next to SJK(C) Chung Hwa Likas in exchange for the disputed 7,200 sq ft of land adjacent to SJK(C) Chung Hwa Kota Kinabalu, which the chamber asserted to be its rightful owner, following the redevelopment of Star City project.
The 107,636 sq ft of land, which is approximately one hectare, comprises 69,699 sq ft of state land that is currently utilized as the parking lot for SJK(C) Chung Hwa Likas and another 37,937 sq ft piece of state land near the school that is gazetted for education purpose.
On another note, Lui also announced that any form of gatherings or activities organized by the eight schools under KKCCCI would be postponed indefinitely until further notice effective immediately to avoid the spread of the coronavirus.
“Prevention is better than cure. KKCCCI will take the lead in taking the necessary measures to curb the spread of the Covid-19. ”
In addition, he said KKCCCI’s upcoming events, including its annual Teachers’ Day dinner on June 13 and mass marriage registration ceremony on June 6, have been cancelled.
“We had initially planned to hold the Teachers’ Day dinner on May 16 but the event was postponed to June 13 due to the fasting month.
“Nevertheless, KKCCCI is heeding the State Government’s call to avoid or postpone public gathering involving more than 50 people.”
State Secretary Datuk Safar Untong had issued a statement on March 13 urging the public to avoid gatherings involving more than 50 people to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the State.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has also issued a ban on all gatherings, including international meetings, sporting events, social and religious assemblies until April 30 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba has said any gathering or major events involving more than 50 people should be suspended.
If the Covid-19 continues to spread, Dr Adham said the government might take action against organizer or mass gathering or events under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.