KOTA KINABALU:
The City Hall must always be cautious when approving development projects and closely monitor the implementation, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman. He said every development plan forwarded to the City Hall must be scrutinized to ensure that every related regulation and law is duly followed to avoid negative impact on the people and the environment. This move is in tandem with one of the aspects emphasized in the implementation of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC), Musa said when officiating at the opening of the newly upgraded food court - Sri Selera Kampung Air. The open air food court, which was a disorganized, unappealing and filthy, has been turned into a popular tourist spot as it not only serves plenty of fresh seafood but also provides exciting cultural entertainment. Musa said that to ensure Kota Kinabalu and Sabah continue to attract visitors, quality varied services and infrastructure must be provided to cater to the latest trend and taste of not only the locals but the tourists as well. These include different types of accommodation featuring various class of hotels from the luxurious five-star to the cheap budget ones, as well as a variety of restaurants and eateries that suit customers of all races and religions, he said. At the ceremony, Musa announced that the State Government has approved RM2.363 million for the City Hall to fund its repairing and upgrading works at the Kota Kinabalu General Market and the adjacent fish market. He said the State Government will continue to assist the City Hall to further improve the image of the City, which is the main gateway to Sabah. According to him, the State Government has allocated a total of RM8.55 million to City Hall in 2007 and will be allocating another RM9 million to help it implement its 3K (Cleanliness, Beautification and Safety) programme. Also present at the opening ceremony were State Secretary Datuk Sukarti Wakiman, Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai, Local Government and Housing Assistant Minister Edward Yong Oui Fah, incumbent Likas assemblyman Datuk Liew Teck Chan, incumbent Kepayan assemblyman Datuk Edward Khoo, and other BN leaders.
