SANDAKAN: The Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) launched its 2024-2028 Strategic Plan: Towards a Smart and Sustainable City.
The plan was unveiled by Deputy Chief Minister II, who is also the Minister of Local Government and Housing (KKTP), Datuk Seri Joachim Gunsalam, at Dataran MPS, here, recently.
In his speech, Joachim said the strategic plan is central to the effort of making Sandakan the second city in Sabah, after Kota Kinabalu.
He said the state government’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the plan and expressed confidence that Sandakan would evolve into a smart and sustainable city, serving as a model for sustainable development in Sabah.
“This plan is not just a document but a vision, aspiration, and collective commitment to elevate Sandakan to greater heights,” he said.
He also said that the plan aligns with the government’s aspirations under the Sabah Maju Jaya roadmap and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Joachim highlighted six key criteria for MPS to achieve city status: efficient governance, sufficient population size, financial stability, quality infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and active community engagement.
He acknowledged that while MPS has already met some criteria, challenges remain, particularly in strengthening governance and advancing modern infrastructure development, such as public transport and affordable housing.
Joachim also encouraged the implementation of engagement sessions with the community to enhance the strategic plan, believing this approach would enable all stakeholders to contribute ideas and feedback for Sandakan’s development.
During the same event, at the MPS Jasamu Dikenang (MPS Appreciation) dinner, tributes were paid to MPS President Henry Idol, who is being transferred, MPS Deputy President I, Wilson @ Terence Thomas, who is retiring, and council members whose terms are ending. Joachim expressed gratitude for their contributions to Sandakan’s development.
Also present were Senator Anna Bell Perian, Nominated Assemblyman Datuk Jaffari Walliam, KKTP Permanent Secretary Datuk Jamili Nais, KKTP Political Secretary and Telupid Assemblyman Datuk Jonnybone Kurum, Director of the Sabah Leaders Development Unit and MPS council member (2023-2025) Datuk Awang Kadin Tang, and Sandakan Deputy Police Chief Supt. Ramasamy Kuppan, representing ACP Abdul Fuad Abdul Malek. Earlier, Henry said the plan was specifically designed to achieve several targets, including its vision, “Sandakan Towards a Smart and Sustainable City 2030,” its mission, “Transforming Quality Services for the Well-being of Sandakan Residents,” and its slogan, “Sandakan Bestari Sejahtera” (Intelligent and Prosperous Sandakan).
The plan is based on four main strategic thrusts, 43 strategies, and 104 programs, designed to ensure MPS achieves its goal of becoming a smart and sustainable city by 2030.
“The strategies and programs outlined are aligned with the criteria for an ideal city and correspond to the 17 indicators of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said.
The four main strategic thrusts include:
Strengthening Financial Management: This involves enhancing service delivery quality and diversifying new revenue sources, with a target of achieving RM100 million in annual revenue. Measures include creating various payment platforms, online systems, and strict enforcement of taxes and licenses.
Improving Planning Processes and Infrastructure Development: Programmes such as the Smart City Action Plan, Sandakan Urban Design Guidelines, and revitalizing heritage assets in the city center are expected to rejuvenate Sandakan.
Initiatives like the Sandakan District Tourism Action Plan and community-based tourism programs aim to bolster Sandakan’s status as an economic and tourism hub.
Empowering Operational Services: This includes improving services to enhance the prosperity and well-being of Sandakan residents.
Ensuring Efficient, Effective, and Transparent Governance: Expanding the use of ICT in service delivery and governance is a key focus.
Joachim said that engagement sessions with stakeholders would be held during the plan’s implementation to gather feedback and ideas, allowing for more holistic improvements.
