Upgraded Lighting and Market Facilities Set to Boost Kota Kinabalu’s Night-Time Appeal

31 October 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Continuous efforts to enhance the city’s night-time ambience have been undertaken since last year to strengthen public safety and deter undesirable activities, including alleged drug use in poorly lit areas, said Api-Api Assemblywoman Datuk Seri Christina Liew.

She stated that, as part of these initiatives, new lighting facilities have been installed at the open car park adjacent to the Kota Kinabalu Central Market.

“In a similar vein, the Karamunsing Flyover is now brightly illuminated at night, following the installation of new LED lights to replace the previous sodium-powered units. Motorists using the route can clearly observe the improvement,” Liew said in a statement issued on Friday, following a recent visit to the market.

According to her, new streetlights have also been installed in several areas, including Asia City, Api-Api Centre, Taman Sena, Taman Nibung, and Taman Bukit Temasu.

Providing an update on market improvements, Liew reported that 500 new sterilisation LED lights have been installed throughout the Kota Kinabalu Central Market for the convenience of vendors. The upgraded lighting covers key areas such as the garments section, fish market, and food court.

“With a brighter, cleaner, and more hygienic environment, the upgraded venue is certainly more attractive to both Kota Kinabalu residents and visitors,” she said, adding that the water supply issues faced by hawkers and traders are expected to be resolved soon.

An emergency desalination plant has been established on the ground floor of the market to treat seawater, converting it into potable water and providing a backup source during any future supply disruptions.

Acknowledging the continued support of relevant government departments and agencies, the Api-Api Assemblywoman expressed her appreciation, noting that such collaboration has enabled her to realise many of her development plans for the benefit of her constituency and the residents of Kota Kinabalu.

Liew further noted that restoration works have been carried out, including the resurfacing of residential roads, widening of drainage systems in housing areas, and repairs to damaged five-footways and back alleys at the Sinsuran and Segama Shopping Complexes, Kampung Air, and Bandaran Berjaya.