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Kota Kinabalu: Tanjung Aru Eco Development Sdn Bhd (TAED) is embarking on short, medium and long-term measures to address the chronic traffic congestion in Tanjung Aru, its Chairman Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, said.

The short-term measures are designated Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zones for e-hailing and other vehicles; No Parking Zones to improve traffic flow and ensure smoother access to the beach and park; Designated Parking Areas to accommodate the influx of visitors while ensuring ample parking space for those choosing to drive and a Queueing Lane leading to the parking area.

Following are medium-term solutions: a new Link Road connecting Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort to Tanjung Aru town that would involve land acquisition and funding.

The new road would provide an alternative route while reducing traffic congestion on existing roads; Transforming Jalan Aru into a one-way street and a new road to Kinabalu Golf Club.

Existing road conditions would be enhanced with new junctions, roundabouts and road widening where feasible.

The long-term vision is to have a coastal road linking Sutera Harbour to Shangrila Tg Aru Resort, a new road connecting Petagas to Tanjung Aru and a new road linking Petagas to the Tanjung Aru beach area.

TAED Chairman Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor fully supports the project and addressing the traffic congestion.

He said Hajiji noted that every city he visited abroad had a park and wanted the same for Kota Kinabalu. 

“Tanjung Aru Beach is one of the last green spaces in the city, so we will preserve it and redevelop it for the people to enjoy,” he said.

Hajiji’s vision for a vibrant and accessible Tanjung Aru aligns with TAED’s multi-pronged approach to tackling traffic woes that have plagued the area.

The TAED project encompasses a broader scope of revitalisation, including the upgrading of Prince Philip Park, estimated to cost RM35 million.

The park would feature a new hawker centre, providing a vibrant culinary experience for visitors.

Beautification efforts, floodlights, historical monuments, and a potential archive dedicated to Sabah’s history would enhance the park’s appeal and educational value.

Pandikar assured that the beach would remain open to the public during the park’s phased upgrading work.

The historic rugby field will be preserved and equipped with floodlights for nighttime training. Land reclamation is planned to ensure the beach remains accessible even during high tide.

TAED aims to create a combined park and beach area spanning at least 100 acres within the next 15 to 20 years, creating a vibrant and accessible public space for generations to come.