Let GLCs take over, revive abandoned projects call
PITAS assemblyman Datuk Bolkiah Ismail has proposed for government-linked companies in Sabah under the Ministry of Local Government and Housing to be appointed to take over and revive abandoned projects.
He said the abandoned Star City Mall and 1Sulaman projects in Kota Kinabalu have become an eyesore to tourists and investors.
According to him, the projects gave a negative perception to foreign investors who may see the abandoned developments as a glut in the property market.
“I suggest appointing GLCs in Sabah under the Ministry of Local Government and Housing to take over and revive these abandoned projects,” he said when debating the State Budget 2019 during the State Legislative Assembly sitting yesterday.
He also proposed to include a land acquisition clause to allow the government to take over the land should developers failed to complete their projects within the specified time frame.
On another note, Bolkiah hoped that the Pan Borneo Highway project could be extended to poor districts in Sabah, such as Kota Marudu, Pitas and Beluran.
He also proposed setting aside a sum each year, of say RM5 million, to upgrade at least one road in poor, hilly districts in the State.
He said a better road system would encourage rural folks to plant oil palm or rubber, and prevent the migration of youths to urban areas as they could cultivate crops with high commercial value.
This, in turn, will elevate their living standards and reduce poverty among rural folks.