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Joniston (second left) looks at the appointment letter with Sabin (left) and Wong (second right) during the ceremony.
KOTA KINABALU (Feb 11): A settlement of about 150 houses near the Tun Fuad Stephens Botanical Park in Bukit Padang will be managed and developed as a Botanical Village under Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), in a move aimed at strengthening urban eco-tourism while safeguarding the welfare of long-time residents.
Assistant Minister in the Sabah Chief Minister Department Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the initiative reflects DBKK’s commitment to transforming the area into a sustainable tourism attraction within the city, in line with Kota Kinabalu’s green city aspirations.
“The land belongs to DBKK, while the houses are owned by local Sabahans.
“Residents will be allowed to remain, provided they adhere to the development guidelines set by DBKK,” he said after officiating the presentation of appointment letters to the DBKK Botanical Village Management Committee here.
Joniston, who oversees DBKK, said the formation of the management committee marked an important step towards structured planning and active community participation in the development of the area.
He added that the Botanical Village has strong potential to support Kota Kinabalu’s urban eco-tourism offerings under the Community-based Tourism (CoBT) concept, while empowering residents to become key stakeholders in preserving their environment.
“This is about creating an eco-tourism attraction within the city. With Kota Kinabalu receiving more cruise ships and visitors who may only spend a short time here, we need meaningful attractions that are easily accessible within the city,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Sabin said the houses in the area have existed for more than three decades, with residents having lived there for over 30 years.
“What we are doing now is upgrading the infrastructure, roads, water supply and electricity and reorganising the settlement.
“These houses were originally built without approval, so land ownership will not be granted and the land will remain under DBKK,” he explained.
Dr Sabin said the state government has instructed local authorities to reorganise squatter settlements, particularly those on government land occupied by long-term Bumiputera residents.
“There are about 154 houses here, and the residents have agreed to this arrangement.
“We are not giving land ownership, but we are improving the entire area and developing it into an eco-tourism site,” he said.
Dr Sabin added that the government wants residents to continue living there but with better management, improved infrastructure, and adequate basic amenities.
“These are villagers who moved into the city. They can share their village way of life, villagers in the city, and in time, we can work with them to develop suitable activities as part of community- and ecosystem-based tourism,” he said, noting the initiative forms part of DBKK’s broader plan to diversify tourism attractions within Kota Kinabalu.
Botanical Village Management Committee chairman Peter Suking welcomed the move, describing it as a long-awaited development for the community.
“There are about 500 residents here from various districts in Sabah.
“Most are employed, while some are self-employed. Our role is to assist DBKK in managing the area, including ensuring cleanliness and proper upkeep,” Peter said.
“Previously, we lived with uncertainty and fear because there was no formal confirmation of our status.
“Now, through engagement with DBKK, we have been given a proper arrangement that allows us to live here without the fear of being evicted.
“This gives us peace of mind and hope for a better future,” he added.
Also present were Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Sri Dr Sabin Samitah, DBKK Director-General Datuk Lifred Wong and senior DBKK officials.
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