KOTA KINABALU: Sandakan could be on track to achieve city status if it maintains its current rate of revenue growth, says Assistant Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Isnin Aliasnih.
He said the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) had shown encouraging financial performance in recent years, and that efforts should be doubled to push its annual revenue past RM200mil.
“If we can reach RM200mil in annual revenue, Sandakan can be declared a city. That’s the direction we are heading and I hope we all continue to work hard towards it,” he told reporters after the swearing-in ceremony for 24 Sandakan municipal councillors here on Wednesday (April 30).
“MPS has performed well in terms of service delivery and revenue. We must keep this momentum going."
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Sandakan’s aspiration to achieve city status first gained serious momentum in June 2022, when then deputy chief minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin announced that the upgrade was expected between August and October that year.
However, the plan stalled over unmet criteria, including population and revenue benchmarks.
In February 2023, the state government clarified that Sandakan must reach a population of at least 500,000 and generate RM100mil in annual revenue before being considered.
Although MPS later launched a 2024–2028 Strategic Plan to transform the town into a smart and sustainable city, city status has yet to materialise to date.
On the swearing-in ceremony, Isnin said the role of the 24 councillors for the 2025-27 term was crucial, especially in helping the local authority tackle public concerns and drive development.
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“These appointments are meant to enable councillors to assist in managing and administering the municipal council more effectively.
"I hope they carry out their responsibilities with full commitment and integrity,” he said.
He added that councillors must be bold in presenting high-impact ideas to shape district-level policies aligned with the council’s vision and mission.
To further empower councillors, he proposed seminars or special courses across Sabah to strengthen understanding of their responsibilities and functions.
Among those present were Senator Anna Bell @ Suzieana Perian, Sandakan MP Vivian Wong Shir Yee, Tanjung Papat assemblyman Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung, Karamunting assemblyman Datuk George Hiew Vun Zin, and MPS president Walter Kenson.
