KOTA KINABALU: The filth and litter in the backstreets of the heart of Kota Kinabalu shocked state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.
Litter, filthy and stinking backlanes, water spilling from burst pipes, broken pavements, a damaged pedestrian walkway as well as gaping holes on a five-footway caught Liew by surprise.
The Api Api assemblyman was doing a walkabout in the Sinsuran area of the town in the city.
Liew immediately ordered the city's administrators and all relevant agencies to take immediate steps to rectify the eyesores and unhygienic conditions in the area.
"I am shocked. It is so unhygienic. As Minister for Tourism, Culture and Environment, I am embarrassed by these eyesores.
"Now that we have reopened our borders, international tourists are coming in droves. What kind of impression are we giving them?
"Kota Kinabalu is the capital city and gateway to Sabah. Given the current scenario, what kind of city tourism are we offering tourists and visitors? Is it so difficult to make Kota Kinabalu a livable city?" she said in a statement on Saturday (March 25).
Liew also observed that there was a need for overgrown trees to be trimmed, especially those at traffic island.
She also said that authorities have to address the perennial problem of bird droppings dirtying vehicles parked outside the shoplots.
She also urged the Public Works Department to look into the need to improve the road condition at Sinsuran Complex.
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