Eric Lau
KOTA KINABALU (May 11): The Sabah government needs to improve public infrastructure to maintain a positive image for international visitors attending major events in the state.
In voicing this out, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) supreme council member Eric Lau acknowledged that the recent Borneo International Marathon had successfully showcased Sabah’s potential as a premier destination for international sports events, but concerns over poor road conditions and malfunctioning street-lights along the route had also drawn public attention.
According to him, many participants complained about the uneven roads, potholes and poor visibility caused by non-functioning street-lights, with some stretches being reportedly in near total darkness.
“Such a situation raised serious safety concerns for the runners and participants.
“The Sabah Public Works Department (JKR) and Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) should take this feedback seriously and prioritise improvement works on public infrastructures, particularly in areas frequently used for major international events,” he said in a statement on Monday.
Lau acknowledged that the Borneo International Marathon had welcomed tens of thousands of participants from countries including Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei, making it an important platform for international exposure and tourism promotion for Sabah.
“Such event contributes significantly to the local economy and strengthens Kota Kinabalu’s reputation as a destination for international sports tourism.
“When visitors have a positive experience, including safe and well-maintained roads, they are more likely to return in the future and recommend Sabah to others.
“However, poor infrastructure and safety issues can negatively affect the state’s reputation as an international sporting destination,” he pointed out.
Lau also expressed concern over an accident during the marathon where a vehicle had struck a runner, causing severe neck injuries.
“While investigations are still ongoing, poor visibility in areas without adequate lighting could have been a contributing factor.
“In addition to the authorities, the event organisers must also take greater responsibility in strengthening safety measures for future events.
“Among the improvements proposed are the installation of temporary lighting, enhanced traffic control, increased deployment of marshals, and stricter safety protocols to prevent similar incidents from recurring,” he said.
Lau believed that the Borneo International Marathon held a tremendous potential of becoming one of the region’s premier running events.
“With better infrastructure, proper maintenance and stronger safety planning, Sabah can continue to build a positive image as a welcoming, world-class destination for international sports tourism,” he added.