Sepa sees red over Kota Kinabalu plan

KOTA KINABALU: Environmentalists are seeing red over the latest zoning plans for the city’s iconic Tanjung Aru beach.

Describing the second and final Kota Kinabalu Local Draft Plan 2020 as going against the people’s wishes, Sabah Environmental Protection Association (Sepa) said the plan would reduce public space and allowed for sea reclamation along Tanjung Aru beach so that hotels could be built.

Sepa president Lanash Thanda expressed shock with the new draft plan for the Tanjung Aru Eco Development area produced by Kota Kinabalu City Hall (KKCH).

“It shows three areas on the water, zoned as hotels and resorts, that will definitely leave the public with just a small patch of beach,” she said.

She said the needs of the people should come first instead of business.

Lanash said Sepa also wanted KKCH to extend the May 22 deadline for the public to submit their views to the new plan that was made public on May 8.

“Tanjung Aru beach is the last of Kota Kinabalu’s beaches, and it belongs to all of us and not just the rich,” she added.

Lanash also questioned why the public had to pay RM1 for an objection form from KKCH.

“KKCH’s own brochure stated that complaints can be sent via e-mail, fax or letter.

“We called up and found out that it is mandatory to purchase the form if you want to make a objection.

“How can you call this public consultation?” she asked.