KOTA KINABALU: A settlement of about 150 houses near the city’s Tun Fuad Stephens Botanical Park in Bukit Padang will be managed and developed as a botanical village under Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK).
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the initiative reflects DBKK’s commitment to transforming the area into a sustainable tourism attraction within the city.
"The land belongs to DBKK, while the houses there belong to Sabahans.
"Those who have houses there will be allowed to remain, but they must adhere to the development guidelines set by DBKK," he said at the presentation ceremony for the appointment letters of the DBKK Botanical Village Management Committee here on Wednesday (Feb 11)
Also present were Kota Kinabalu mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah, DBKK director-general Datuk Lifred Wong and senior DBKK officials.
Joniston, whose portfolio includes overseeing DBKK, said the formation of the management committee is a key step towards ensuring proper planning and community participation in the development of the area.
He added that the area has strong potential to support the city’s green city agenda while contributing to a more structured urban ecotourism offering under the Community-based Tourism (CoBT) concept.
"The botanical village would serve as an ecotourism attraction within the city, which is part of DBKK’s comprehensive plan to develop more tourism products in Kota Kinabalu," he said, adding that it would empower residents to be active stakeholders in preserving the environment.
Joniston added that with Kota Kinabalu poised to attract more cruise ships and short-stay tourists, there is a need for more tourism products within the city.
"We must ensure there are suitable attractions for visitors, even if they are only here for a brief period," he said.
