Incumbent Apas assemblyman Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan pledges to gazette villages and bring new townships if re-elected in the Sabah state election.
TAWAU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah candidate Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan has pledged to gazette several long-established villages in Apas currently deemed squatter areas if re-elected.
The two-term incumbent said he recently secured government approval to gazette Kampung Pangkalan Inderasabah after villagers waited many years.
Nizam plans to develop new townships, implement the People’s Housing Programme and establish a Universiti Malaysia Sabah faculty in the constituency.
He is working to strengthen the local economy through collaborations with MARA and community colleges to help residents acquire new skills.
As incumbent, Nizam said he has successfully addressed community concerns including village roads, bridges and water supply over the years.
Water supply is showing improvement as old pipes in several villages have been replaced with newer, larger ones.
Static tanks were constructed in seven locations to ease residents’ difficulties in obtaining clean water.
Several major village roads have been upgraded from gravel to paved surfaces including in Kampung Titingan and Kampung Tinagat.
Dilapidated mosques including Masjid Tawfiq Al-Hidayat and Masjid Nurul Awwal have been rebuilt alongside flood mitigation projects.
The Tinagat and Batu Payung coastlines are being developed as new tourist attractions with SMJ Friendly Homes projects implemented.
Apas community development unit supervisor Mohd Hafiz Rustam said Nizam has been consistent in ensuring basic facilities reach villagers.
Batu Payung resident Sabturani Angsa, 77, hopes to elect a leader diligent in going to the ground and approachable when meeting people.
Wakuba resident Badrie Mahmad, 45, intends to choose a well-known leader who has contributed significantly to the community.
Nizam faces five opponents in the Apas constituency where 32,241 voters will cast their ballots.
