SANDAKAN: The Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) is rolling out an ambitious strategy to rejuvenate the city’s historic downtown core, headlined by a proposal to extend business operating hours—potentially around the clock.
The initiative emerged during Thursday’s MPS Town Hall session with building owners and business operators, where stakeholders openly debated the challenges and opportunities facing the urban centre. Among the most talked-about suggestions: allowing lower-risk premises to operate 24 hours a day, while higher-risk establishments could stay open until 4.00 am, subject to location-specific assessments and regulatory safeguards.
Minister of Local Government and Housing underscored that the greatest test lies in harmonising business owners’ needs with the government’s long-term development goals. He outlined five priority agendas to restore the downtown’s vitality and forge a distinctive character.
(1) Reactivate vacant shops – Assistant Minister Datuk Maijol Mahap called for a full inventory of empty premises to identify why they remain unoccupied. “Once we have that data, we can match each unit with the right business type for its location and community demand,” he explained at the Sandakan Community Hall.
(2) Elevate cleanliness and safety – Building owners are urged to repaint and maintain their properties, contributing to a more inviting environment for residents and tourists alike.
(3) Energise the night-time economy – Heritage events, night markets, and after-dark commercial activities should be promoted to ensure the city centre stays lively well past sunset, without compromising hygiene or security.
(4) Forge a unique city identity – Sandakan must differentiate itself through its cultural and historical assets.
(5) Attract new investment – Proactive measures are needed to draw fresh capital and enterprise into the area.
Maijol noted Sandakan’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and nature—including world-renowned sites like Sepilok—offers a powerful draw for tourists. Harnessing this potential could drive sustained footfall and economic spillover for the downtown.
The Town Hall session sparked exchanges, with premises owners and other stakeholders contributing a wealth of ideas. MPS President Datuk Walter Kenson assured that every input would be carefully reviewed before the council drafts concrete follow-up actions.
Speaking to the press, Maijol confirmed that the extended-hours proposal—categorised by risk levels—aims to give traders greater flexibility while offering visitors more convenience. Walter added that MPS is prepared to roll out incentive packages to encourage dormant businesses to reopen, particularly as many commercial activities have gravitated toward newer suburban centres.
The council also announced that the Town Hall dialogue would become an annual fixture, held every August or September, to ensure timely implementation of approved initiatives for the coming year. In a festive twist, MPS gave its nod to hosting National Day celebrations in the evening, hoping to inject further life into the city’s night scene. – James Leong
Walter assured that every input would be carefully reviewed before the council drafts concrete follow-up actions.
