Imagine standing on the brink of a tourism boom in Sabah, and yet, the very infrastructure that supports this growth is crumbling and unsafe. That’s the alarming reality highlighted by the latest statements from the newly appointed state Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, Datuk Jafry Ariffin. His urgent call for immediate repairs to the deteriorating jetties and staff quarters on islands around Kota Kinabalu underscores a critical issue that could threaten both visitor safety and the sustainability of local tourism.
Jafry emphasizes that several key facilities—especially those serving tourists and local staff—are in dire need of urgent maintenance. His concern is not just about comfort but fundamentally about safety, which he insists must be prioritized. During inspections at major tourism spots, including Jesselton Point, Sabah Parks Jetty, and the South Jetty (which is currently undergoing a RM20 million upgrade), he observed firsthand the dilapidated conditions that require swift action.
One of the most troubling findings was on Sulug Island, where the Sabah Parks staff quarters were found to be in such poor shape that they are no longer habitable. The conditions expose not only the workers’ welfare but also pose potential risks to their safety—an issue that could have serious implications for the conservation and management of Sabah’s tourism assets.
Jafry’s stance is clear: immediate intervention is necessary. He advocates for providing safe, functional accommodations for island staff and assures the public that his ministry will not only address these urgent issues but also develop a comprehensive, long-term plan to prevent such problems from recurring. This situation raises an important question: How can Sabah balance rapid tourism development with ensuring the safety and well-being of those who maintain it?
And this is the part most people might overlook—investing in infrastructure isn’t just about aesthetics or convenience. It’s about safeguarding lives, supporting local workers, and ultimately, preserving the reputation of Sabah as a tourist destination. Will the government and relevant agencies step up quickly enough? Or will these issues continue to be swept under the rug, jeopardizing future growth? Share your thoughts—do you think priority should be given to urgent repairs, or is this a sign of deeper systemic challenges that need addressing?
