SANDAKAN: A three-to four-star hotel will be developed on an island facing Kampung Sim-Sim, here, said Sandakan Member of Parliament, Vivian Wong Shir Yee (pic).
She said this initiative is part of the Sandakan Parliament’s efforts to attract investors and create job opportunities for local residents.
In addition, she said a former prominent hotel in municipal city here, which had previously ceased operations, will be reopened under new ownership.
“This marks the beginning of Sandakan’s journey to becoming an economic and tourism hub,” she said.
Vivian said this while officiating the Sandakan Parliament Hari Raya Carnival held at the Sim-Sim Market grounds on Saturday.
Also present were program coordinator Tang Szu Ching, Kampung Sim-Sim Village Chief Abdul Halim Othman, Vivian’s mother Datin Florence Chong, Sandakan Parliament Liaison Officer and Head of the Women and Religious Affairs Bureau Monelizah Mohd Tahir, Chairperson of the Kampung Sim-Sim Madani Community, and local residents.
In the event, Vivian also distributed food aid baskets to 100 underprivileged individuals and senior citizens in Kampung Sim-Sim.
She called on the villagers to work together in building a brighter future for Kampung Sim-Sim through unity and consistent effort.
She added that Kampung Sim-Sim is not just a fishing village, but a symbol of heritage, cultural beauty, and community strength.
“I’m incredibly proud of the spirit of togetherness and resilience shown by this community, which continues to strive for a better life despite facing various challenges,” she said.
Vivian acknowledged the obstacles in developing the village and the efforts undertaken to brighten and improve life in this fishing community.
One such initiative included the production of a short film shot in Kampung Sim-Sim to remind residents to care for the environment and their homes.
Vivian also reiterated her commitment to continue developing Kampung Sim-Sim so that residents can benefit from improved infrastructure, education, and economic opportunities.
Last year, her office successfully distributed 30 laptops to students who achieved excellent results in their SPM and STPM exams.
“We also helped repair four damaged bridges and assisted hundreds of families who applied for financial and medical aid,” she said.
Earlier, during the event, Tang said the carnival was not only a celebration of Hari Raya but also a way to strengthen the sense of community.
“We are not just neighbors—we are a family. Despite our different backgrounds, we share the same goal: to create a better life for ourselves, our families, and the future of our children,” she said.
The program included various activities such as a fireworks display, lucky draw, mother-and-child Raya fashion contest, musical performances by Simpang Tiga Buskers, traditional drumming (kompang), cultural dances, and songs performed by RTM 2024’s Joy Bintang, Syima Syifa, Zuana Zulmat, Zai Bayu, and DJ Diddy.
The music video for Rindu Raya Sandakan also features Vivian and showcases scenic beauty of Sandakan.
