KOTA KINABALU: The State Government was urged to take a more bold and strategic approach in addressing Sabah’s long-standing infrastructure gaps, digital readiness, and housing ownership issues, said Nominated Assemblyman Datuk Chin Shu Ying.
He said basic infrastructure such as roads, water supply, electricity and sewage systems must be prioritised as the foundation for economic growth and investment attraction.
“If we are serious about seeing Sabah progress, then the foundation must be strong — and that foundation is infrastructure and utilities,” he said when debating on the Sabah Government policy speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting yesterday.
He said incomplete basic infrastructure continues to affect daily life in many areas, adding that without it, discussions on high-value investment and industrial development remain constrained.
Chin said improved infrastructure would directly benefit the economy by attracting investors, creating jobs and increasing household income, describing it as a shift from dependency-based support towards capacity-building development.
He also proposed that the government consider implementing a “land swap” mechanism, where strategic land is offered in exchange for private sector-led development of infrastructure and utilities.
On digital transformation, Chin said Sabah risks being left behind if it does not prepare early for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), adding that AI education should begin at school level rather than only in higher education institutions.
He said pilot initiatives should be introduced in selected schools, noting that implementation would require adequate funding, hardware, software and trained teachers.
Chin also proposed allocating funding to professional bodies to accelerate the use of building information modelling (BIM) in the construction industry, describing it as a key step towards industrial digitalisation and AI integration.
On housing matters, he welcomed the government’s move to amend the Land (Subsidiary Title) Enactment 1972 and introduce the Building Management Enactment, but said delays in strata title issuance remained a serious concern.
He said many buyers had already paid for their homes and were occupying them but still did not possess legal ownership, describing it as an issue of justice.
Chin called for clearer data on outstanding strata title cases, including the number of affected units, delay periods and unresolved cases by district, as well as stronger enforcement against responsible parties.
He also urged the government to establish a mandatory timeline for strata title issuance to prevent recurring delays, stressing that the public expects solutions rather than assurances.
He further asked for updates on the proposed appeal board under Section 28L of the Town and Country Planning Ordinance, which would allow developers to appeal planning decisions made by local authorities.
Chin said the three key issues — infrastructure, digital education and housing rights — directly affect the daily lives of Sabahans and require decisive government action with clear timelines. – Wu Vuide
Chin said improved infrastructure would directly benefit
the economy by attracting investors.
