Tamu Putatan proposed to be relocated to new site
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan Sabah has proposed for the relocation of Tamu Putatan to a new site close to the Servay Putatan Hypermarket.
This will not only enable more Sabahan bumiputras to take part in micro business but also as a new attraction for outsiders to come to the district.
According to the Parti Warisan Sabah treasurer general, Terrence Siambun, the proposed relocation is apt as the new tamu ground would reflect the identity and rich cultural heritage of the Bajau Samah and Kadazand Dusun Murut (KDM) community in the district.
“Tamu is closely associated with the Bajau and KDM communities in the State whereby backyard fresh organic vegetables/fruits, poultry/fish, handicrafts and local delicacies are being sold by these ethnic groups for extra income.
“So having a new tamu ground at Putatan with unique design that is reflective of the identity and rich cultural heritage of these ethnic groups will definitely make Tamu Putatan stand out against the rest.
“Once this unique identity has been established, then more visitors will visit Tamu Putatan and as a result, this will create micro business opportunities for many locals in the district,” he explained.
Siambun said this in a statement following the conclusion of Jelajah Penampang by Parti Warisan Sabah yesterday at Kampung Nambazan.
“While our main intention is to create a unique Tamu Putatan, we also want to make it more convenient for everyone by providing ample parking spaces and smooth traffic flow.
“The current site is, of course, convenient but it is small, the stalls are old and it is causing unnecessary traffic congestion within its vicinity, especially for commuters from Kampung Pasir Putih and Kampung Contoh.
“So, I cannot understand why Yahya Hussin and Marcus Mojigoh insist on upgrading and enlarging the existing tamu ground to the tune of RM10 million when any attempt to enlarge the existing tamu ground will definitely cause chronic congestion and parking problems in the town,” he lamented.
Siambun reiterated that most villagers in Petagas constituency that he met are receptive to the idea of the tamu ground being relocated to a new site next to Servay Hypermarket Putatan.
"Despite most of the lands within the vicinity of Servay Putatan are privately owned, the villagers also think that it is appropriate to relocate the tamu to that area.
“With a funding of RM10 million, I think it is more than enough to acquire a piece of land in that area, build a unique tamu highlighting cultural heritages of Bajau Samah and KDM, provide ample parking space and to ensure effective sewerage/waste management system for the new tamu ground,” he pointed out.
In fact, the new tamu ground can be converted during the weekdays as a night market like Petaling Street so that young traders in the district can do their businesses comfortably, he added.
Siambun moans the lack of vision and management capability on the part of Marcus and Yahya that had left Putatan in such a sorry condition.
“Putatan is the only urban district in Sabah that clearly depicts the inter-racial religious harmony and tolerance of different ethnics that it should be known as 'Mini Sabah'. But for 25 years, the BN State government never realized this, and worst, had neglected it for reasons known only to themselves.
“So, let the new tamu ground now symbolize the true unity, understanding and harmony between the two major communities in Sabah so that Putatan will stand among the rest of the district in Sabah and Malaysia,” Siambun concluded.