KOTA KINABALU, Dec 22 — Facing flak for the controversial management of the iconic Tanjung Aru beach, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor said today that the state government will look into public complaints of poor management and maintenance of the prime waterfront attraction.
Hajiji, who is chairman of the board of the Tanjung Aru Eco Development (TAED), said that it will take into consideration the issues and concerns that were reported recently.
"We will look at all of it,” he said without elaborating.
He was asked to comment on the claims and complaints of the lack of transparency and "hush-hush” development being carried out at the popular beachfront.
"The project has been around a long time, there are a lot of issues and sensitivities to consider so please give us some space.
"By next year we will come out with a complete proposal and we will inform the public,” said Hajiji.
It was reported that local groups were questioning the multi-billion development project’s status and plans as TAED, the management unit, had been restricting access to several sections of the beach and clearing land.
The local community also complained of shoddy management that has caused traffic congestion, unfiltered commercialisation, and poor waste management and general upkeep.
The company had also begun charging for parking, but the public said the fees are not reflected in the facilities.
The 3km plus stretch of beach is an uber-popular leisure and recreation destination in the city and a major attraction for its white sand and spectacular sunset views.
It was previously under the purview of the Kota Kinabalu City Hall, until TAED was mooted and eventually took over most of the beach in order to develop a multi-billion ringgit highly controversial mixed development project.
City Hall is now in charge of a smaller section of the beach, known as "zero beach”, which has increased in popularity due to its upgraded facilities such as lightning, picnic cabanas and cleanliness.
In comparison, the first beach which is under the purview of TAED faces complaints of being over-commercialised and dirty, while the second and third beaches are neglected.
TAED was a multi-billion ringgit project mooted in 2016 under the Barisan Nasional government that envisioned an international standard waterfront development modern tourist attraction for Sabah.
However, it drew severe criticism over environmental and public-interest concerns, becoming a hot-button political issue and has been revised and downscaled by the following government administrations due to the sensitivities involved.
Having taken over the state government in 2020, Hajiji was then reported saying that the project would be more "people-centric”, reassuring the people that Tanjung Aru beach and Prince Philip Park, would be maintained, improved and beautified for the public to access and enjoy.
He guaranteed more public spaces and accessibility as well as sustainability and green initiatives.
