By MOHD IZHAM BIN HASHIM
KOTA KINABALU: Residents of Bandar Sierra have renewed calls for the construction of a mosque within the housing estate, citing difficulties in carrying out religious activities, accessibility problems, and traffic congestion.
“The lack of a proper mosque resulted in heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak religious events, creating difficulties for residents—including elderly residents, persons with disabilities (OKU), women, and children—travelling to and from the mosque,” said Haji Aliasto Bin Andi Sanrang, Chairman of the Pro-tem Committee for the Construction of the Bandar Sierra Mosque.
Aliasto noted Muslim residents had no choice but to commute outside the estate to perform their religious obligations at the Institut Aminuddin Baki (IAB) Mosque, which led to traffic and safety problems.
“Severe bottleneck traffic occurs frequently during Friday prayers, the holy month of Ramadan, and major Islamic festivals like Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Aidiladha,” he added.
In an effort to seek government intervention, residents submitted a fresh memorandum on June 12 through residents’ representative, Amir Bin Mahat to the Minister of Sabah and Sarawak Affairs, Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
“The residents or community in the Bandar Sierra Housing Estate earnestly appeal and request that the construction of a mosque in this area be implemented and established, considering that the residents here are also taxpayers and registered voters,” said Amir.
He also claimed that the absence of a mosque within Bandar Sierra has complicated the management of certain community and religious activities, including funeral-related matters.
Amir noted the problem affects a growing residential population within Bandar Sierra, which includes terrace housing areas, apartments, and Taman Rimba, alongside a commercial centre.
He said the committee believes land should be allocated for a mosque in large residential developments, noting that neighbouring townships such as Putra Perdana, Putrajaya, and Sri Rugading already have mosques serving local communities.
According to the committee, previous appeals were submitted to the Sepanggar Parliamentary Office in July 2023, Istana Seri Kinabalu in March 2025, and Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) in May 2026.
“The residents of Bandar Sierra remain hopeful that their long-standing grievances will finally be heard by the relevant authorities for the greater wellbeing of the community,” Amir said.
Amir (left), after submitting the memorandum for the proposed Bandar Sierra Mosque to Mustapha (right).
