KOTA KINABALU: The public can expect improved facilities at Kudat’s popular tourist spot, the Tip of Borneo, when it reopens in April after the first phase upgrading works are completed.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said this will include a new covered walkway to replace the existing one, a toilet for disabled persons and a viewing platform complete with electric poles for lighting.
Phase one is expected to be completed by the end of the month, she said in a statement on Thursday (March 23).
On Wednesday (March 22), Liew visited the location to monitor the upgrading project progress, accompanied by the ministry's deputy permanent secretary 1 Mary Malangking, Sabah Tourism Board (STB) product manager Effendi Mahany and assistant product manager Jason Paujik.
Also known locally as Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, the closure of the tourist attraction located about three hours’ drive from the state capital, was announced early last year to allow renovation works.
Liew also said that despite claims by certain quarters, the upgrading project undertaken by STB had never stopped completely since its implementation on Dec 5, 2021.
"Work had slowed down due to bad weather and delay in the delivery of building materials to the construction site," she added.
For phase two of the upgrading works, Liew said it was concurrent, and would pick up momentum from next month to be completed over a duration of six to 10 months.
The second phase involved demolition of the existing structure and constructing a new visitor's centre, which is the main building to house the lobby, office and souvenir shop, she added.
During the site inspection, Liew was also briefed on the sectional completion scope of works by Arkitek Summaz senior project architect Neil Marsoh.
Liew said the safety of tourists and visitors is of utmost importance, and that railings must be installed by the viewing platform.
"Areas which are out of bounds for now must be cordoned off, until such time when public access is allowed," Liew added.
