Kudat MP seeks State Government support for economic development and land dispute resolution

11 August 2024

KUDAT: During a significant meeting with the Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Mohd Noor, Member of Parliament for Kudat, Datuk Verdon Bahanda, raised urgent issues affecting his constituency.

At the heart of the discussions were the detrimental impacts of corporate encroachment on customary lands in the Bengkoka and Pitas regions. These activities have disrupted the lives of local communities, who rely on these lands for their traditional practices and livelihoods.

The Chief Minister has pledged his commitment to swiftly resolve these land disputes.

Verdon also reiterated the need for the long-overdue Kudat Port development project. Initially proposed a decade ago, the project aims to transform Kudat Port into an international seaport and establish a larger industrial park to bolster the region’s industrial capabilities.

This development is essential for overcoming the current constraints faced by the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) and for fostering additional industrial growth in the area.

In a bid to further stimulate economic progress, Verdon proposed the establishment of a new special economic zone in Kudat.

This initiative seeks to facilitate land acquisition through direct agreements between landowners, whether holding Native Title or Country Lease, and investors, thereby reducing the need for extensive government intervention.

By promoting direct negotiations among stakeholders, the proposal aims to drive development while safeguarding the native land rights and Kudat communities in general.

The initiative is expected to boost local incomes, alleviate economic pressures on Kudat constituents, and enhance state revenue.

Hajiji expressed his support for this approach, emphasising Kudat’s strategic location along the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea, making it ideal for a range of blue and green economy industries.

The proposed economic zone is projected to invigorate various sectors in Kudat, potentially reducing poverty and accelerating regional development.

Verdon reiterated his commitment to transparency and urged his constituents to engage directly with him, dismissing any reliance on unfounded rumours. He reiterated his full support to the Chief Minister and his able State Cabinet.

Da Verdon commended the Chief Minister for his unwavering commitment to the state’s economic advancement and for seriously considering these proposals.

He expressed confidence that with the Chief Minister’s support, substantial progress will be made in addressing the challenges and promoting economic growth in Sabah’s northern region.