‘Middle town’ Telupid set to grow fast – Hajiji
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Hj Hajiji Hj Noor predicted that Telupid will be a fast-growing and bustling town soon in view of its strategic loca on that is half way between Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan.
TELUPID: Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Hj Hajiji Hj Noor predicted that Telupid will be a fast-growing and bustling town soon in view of its strategic location.
Telupid's location, at about the mid-way point between Sandakan in the east coast and the state capital in the west coast, is important, he said when speaking at a earth-breaking ceremony for a commercial project here.
“In short, Telupid is in the middle of Sabah,” he quipped.
The Telupid commercial project is a joint-venture between the Sabah Housing & Town Development Authority (LPPB) and Sinar Kerjaya Sdn Bhd (SK).
“This collaboration between LPPB and SK, we call it smart partnership whereby LPPB provides the land and SK the money to develop the project.
“In this way, the money that LPPB has can be used for other socio-economic projects for the benefit of the rakyat.
“Besides, if government allocations were to be applied, it may take some time. So smart partnership is the way to go,” he explained, adding that it is a “winwin” situation for both parties.
The LPPB is a State statutory body under Hajiji's ministry. Present were LPPB chairman Datuk Hj Ahmad Hj Bujang, LPPB general manager George Liew and SK managing director Datuk Ringo Wong.
Also present were Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam; the ministry's permanent secretary Datuk Ginun Yangus and Labuk assemblyman Datuk Seri Panglima Michael Asang.
The project will see the construction of 88 units of twostorey shophouses, a supermarket and a 120-room hotel.
Local assemblyman Michael Asang in his speech said the hotel is much-needed and long-awaited as it will enable the Telupid district to host state-level events such as the Kaamatan Festival.
Earlier, Hajiji attended a development briefing given by Telupid District Officer Benedict Asmat.
Addressing local officials at the session who included Michael Asang, Hajiji said his ministry will submit a cabinet paper on the proposal for a district council for the State Cabinet's consideration.
Telupid has been declared a full-district for a number of years but local government-wise, it has been under the Beluran District Council since the days when it was still a sub-district.
Asang and Beluran member of parliament Datuk Ronald Kiandee have been fighting for the Telupid District Council for some time.
Prior to visiting Telupid, Hajiji was in neighbouring Tongod which will have its district council come January after being a part of the Kinabatangan District Council for some time.