Karambunai assemblyman Yakub Khan vows to address squatter settlements and proposes splitting Kota Kinabalu City Hall into two administrative zones
SEPANGGAR: The Karambunai state constituency here is increasingly attracting job seekers due to rapid development and its potential to evolve into a more advanced suburban area.
Its strategic location, around 26 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu and close to educational institutions and industrial hubs, makes Karambunai a prime area for economic opportunities, further boosting business activities in the area.
However, this population surge has brought challenges, including the growth of squatter settlements, which has sparked debates and complaints among local residents.
Incumbent assemblyman Datuk Yakub Khan of Barisan Nasional (BN) said the issue requires an immediate, well-organised, and comprehensive solution to allow residents to enjoy a better quality of life, including adequate water and electricity supply.
“It is my mission and aspiration to make Karambunai a safe, orderly, and well-managed area for the comfort and well-being of every resident in the constituency,” he told Bernama recently.
Yakub also proposed that Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) be divided into two administrative zones, namely North DBKK and South DBKK, taking inspiration from Kuching, which is governed by Kuching North City Hall and Kuching South Municipal Council.
He said the division is necessary as the DBKK administration is currently too large and densely populated, with Karambunai falling under its jurisdiction.
“If this happens, work can be more focused, and residents living in housing estates who pay annual taxes will receive services that correspond to their contributions,” he said.
Yakub added that Karambunai is not just an industrial hub but also has the potential to become a key centre for educational development, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The former Sabah Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation said strengthening the STEM education ecosystem is vital to enhance performance and nurture young talent in the state.
Its proximity to educational institutions such as polytechnic and the MARA Skills Institute is also seen as supporting government efforts to enhance Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Yakub said.
“TVET plays a crucial role in empowering young people, especially those who have dropped out of school. The skills they acquire provide opportunities to become proficient and open pathways to employment or starting their own businesses,” he said.
Karambunai, with 39,247 registered voters, is one of the state constituencies in the Sepanggar parliamentary area, alongside Darau and Inanam.
The Election Commission has fixed Nov 29 as the polling day for the 17th Sabah State Election.
