Kota Kinabalu: The city’s seventh Mayor since 2000 said he will do his best to ensure that the State Capital becomes even more vibrant for ratepayers as well as visitors.
“I will continue the development plan with a few changes,” said Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah after the handing over of duties from Datuk Noorliza Awang Alip, the first female Mayor, since January 2021.
It was witnessed by State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong at the DBKK headquarters, Friday.
Sabin said among his priorities would be looking into modernising the parking system by going digital, just like other cities.
He said the existing scratch off coupon method would be a thing of the past but that DBKK would have to study the contracts first.
“I also want to ensure that hygiene standards are raised. The same for beauty: landscape, brighter lights, adequate toilets and friendlier people.”
Enforcement would also be stepped up while promising that DBKK would also listen to the grievances of those affected.
“As for traffic flow, I will work closely with the police. All these have been carried out by those before me but there will be changes.
“It’s something that must be embraced to become a reality,” he said, thanking his predecessors who laid a solid foundation for governance.
Sabin said he also favours a centralised public transport system.
“Any location with a city status prioritises transportation. As for Kota Kinabalu, I will see what obstructions have prevented this being implemented.”
He said it could be budgetary “but we are preparing for a seamless system.”
He said approvals for development plans would be expedited and any delays would be studied.
On eliminating hawker cartels that sublet their stalls for easy profit, Sabin said DBKK reserves the right to revoke their licences and give it to those more deserving
“DBKK will also ensure that the application process for business licenses is expedited.
“We always take the human approach to hear the reasons why illegal hawkers don’t want to apply for licences. Then we tell them to move elsewhere.
“It is even Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s goal to provide facilities for small businesses so that they have equal opportunities as the big fish.
“But if they (hawkers) are still adamant then it is our responsibility to enforce the law.
“I assure that DBKK enforcers will be strict from now on,” said Sabin, who was once Director-General of the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre in the Prime Minister’s Department.
