By WU VUIDE
TONGOD: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Tongod has recorded significant progress in infrastructure development since last year.
The development includes strengthening road networks linking Tongod with the nearby districts of Keningau, Telupid, Sandakan and Tawau to improve mobility and stimulate downstream economic growth.
The State Government is also providing various incentives to help transform subsistence farming into commercial agriculture capable of increasing household incomes, he said.
He said this when officiating at the Tongod district-level Kaamatan Festival 2026 at Dewan Terbuka Dataran Rakyat Tongod.
Hajiji also urged youths to seize opportunities provided by the State Government in technical and skills-based fields.
He said Tongod is also home to the Imbak Canyon Conservation Area, which has great potential to be developed as Sabah’s sustainable eco-tourism hub.
He said the development of Tongod’s tourism sector must move in tandem with efforts to preserve local culture, including empowering handicraft products, traditional food and homestay programmes managed by local communities.
Regarding water supply issues, Hajiji said the problem would be addressed using allocations channelled by the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) to the State Government for the implementation of Rural Water Supply (BALB) projects.
He said the authority to implement the projects has now been delegated to the State Government, with more than RM4 billion allocated.
He added that although Sabah’s revenue allocation may increase in future, including through the 40 per cent special grant payment, the state still requires Federal cooperation to continue progressing towards becoming a developed state within Malaysia.
Hajiji said the Kaamatan festival not only symbolises gratitude for a bountiful harvest, but also serves as an important platform to strengthen unity and harmony among Sabah’s multiracial communities in line with the theme “Harvesting Unity, Celebrating Harmony.”
Hajiji and guests launch the Tongod Kaamatan Festival.
