Kota Marudu to see more projects
KOTA MARUDU: ONCE a backwater district with hardly any commercial centres, the Kota Marudu district has seen much progress in recent years.
Basic amenities such as roads, electricity, water, housing and schools have been provided to many of the villages here with little sign of the development slowing down.
Kota Marudu MP Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili, however, said there were still more areas that needed attention from the Barisan Nasional government and it was imperative for the people to remain united.
He said this during the launch of the district-level Pesta Kaamatan or Harvest Festival by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan over the weekend.
“The district has been earmarked for many projects related to agriculture, aquaculture and agro-based industries which look set to bring more development,” said Ongkili.
Ongkili, who is also the science, technology and innovation minister, said the latest programmes included prawn breeding which had been identified as an Entry Point Project under the National Key Economic Areas for Kota Marudu and Pitas, while a project for induced spawning of sea cucumber was also being implemented.
A private company had also shown interest in rearing oysters at the Marudu Bay which has been tested and proven as conducive for this activity.
“Once it takes off, this project can provide 1,000 jobs for locals including fishermen.”
The ministry was also conducting scientific research in cooperation with various universities to develop and sustainably manage Marudu Bay near here, including training local people to participate in eco-tourism.
Pairin, who is also the Parti Bersatu Sabah president, called on the people to remain united to effectively voice their needs to the government.
“The government is very perceptive to the needs of the people and wishes to protect their interests. However, to enable the government to help the people, it is important that they remain united in voicing their needs.
“Our unity will make us stronger in voicing our views and concerns. The government is always listening to the people and will do all it can to fulfil their development needs.”
Source : New Straits Times
