By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: A settlement of about 150 houses near Tun Fuad Stephens Botanical Park in Bukit Padang will be managed and developed as a Botanical Village under Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK).
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the initiative reflects DBKK’s effort to transform the area into a sustainable tourism attraction within the city.
“The land belongs to DBKK, while the houses belong to local Sabahans.
“Residents will be allowed to remain, but they must comply with development guidelines set by DBKK,” he said at the presentation of appointment letters to the DBKK Botanical Village Management Committee.
Also present were Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah, DBKK Director-General Datuk Lifred Wong and senior DBKK officials.
Joniston, whose portfolio includes overseeing DBKK, said the formation of the management committee is a key step towards ensuring proper planning and community participation in the area’s development.
He said the site has strong potential to support Kota Kinabalu’s green city agenda while contributing to a more structured urban eco-tourism offering under the Community-based Tourism (CoBT) concept.
“The Botanical Village will serve as an eco-tourism attraction within the city and forms part of DBKK’s broader plan to develop more tourism products in Kota Kinabalu,” he said, adding that it would empower residents to play an active role in environmental stewardship.
Joniston added that with Kota Kinabalu set to receive more cruise ships and short-stay visitors, the city must expand its range of tourism products.
“We must ensure suitable attractions are available, even for visitors who stay only briefly,” he said.
Joniston presenting an appointment letter to a committee member as Sabin (left), and Lifred (right), look on.
