On the trail: Lee (third from left) and Chong visiting Barisan grassroots leaders and village folk in Kudat. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUDAT: The potential of Kudat as an economic and tourism hub is being held back by limited transport links and underutilised local assets.
Barisan Nasional’s Tanjong Kapor candidate Kevin Lee Sip Kim said he wants to be among those who help unlock the district’s potential and deliver meaningful progress.
“Kudat has so many beautiful places – clear waters, white-sand beaches, untouched nature.
“We need better connectivity. If the airport is upgraded so that bigger aircraft can land, you will immediately open the door to more tourists and new economic activity,” he said.
Kudat’s small airfield once hosted short-haul flights to Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan. It was revived twice by the Transport Ministry before being discontinued due to low passenger loads.
“For tourists, flying in would take just one hour instead of three hours by road from Kota Kinabalu.
“Better transport is what drives everything else – the economy, mobility, even the way we plan development,” he said.
Lee pointed to examples of coastal towns abroad, including one near the Red Sea, that evolved from fishing communities into tourism-driven hubs after improving their aviation and transport links.
“Kudat can be like that. The potential is there.”
He also noted Kudat’s strategic position – north of Indonesia’s new capital and close to routes towards the Philippines, Vietnam and southern China.
“This places Kudat well for future travel and logistics networks,” he said.
In maritime development, Lee cited past studies highlighting Kudat’s natural deep-sea harbour, which is ideal for large vessels entering port.
“If developed properly, a natural port saves huge dredging costs. In the old days, big vessels came to collect copra. So the foundations are already there for Kudat.
“If done right, we can revive the good old times for the economy’s sake,” he said.
MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon, who is the Sabah state election director, said Lee’s proposals reflect what the district needs: practical, long-term development and economic renewal.
“Kudat’s natural deep sea is a big advantage. In places like Port Klang, we spend so much on dredging every year,” said Chong, a former Port Klang Authority chairman.
“Here, nature already gives you the depth. That’s a massive head start.”
He said many residents reminisce about the Barisan era, when roads, schools, electricity and water supply expanded steadily.
“People tell us they miss the time when things got built, when leaders focused on work rather than fighting for positions,” he said.
Chong added that strengthening the airport, reviving air links and developing the port could collectively reposition Kudat as an investment and tourism hub.
“What Kevin is talking about isn’t rhetoric. It’s a clear plan to turn Kudat into a hub.
“And once investments start coming in, everything changes – jobs, opportunities and livelihoods,” he said.
Despite an 11-way contest, Chong said voters are looking for stability and grounded leadership.
“Kevin is clean, local and has served the community for decades. He’s the right person to carry this forward,” he added.
Dayang Nordin, 74, from Kampung Andap Jawa in Sikuati, said she hopes to see more development and greater opportunities for Kudat’s young people.
“I’ve stayed here for over 50 years. Water pressure is sometimes weak, and electricity cuts happen occasionally,” said the homemaker, who has nine children.
“But I hope things will get better – better amenities, more development and more opportunities for Kudat’s young people,” she said.
