Controversial Tanjung Aru mega project to be scaled down further, says Hajiji

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KOTA KINABALU: The controversial Tanjung Aru Eco Development (TAED) project will be scaled down further to incorporate more public spaces and accessibility.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the state’s iconic Tanjung Aru beach and Prince Philip Park will be maintained, improved and beautified for the public to access and enjoy.

“It will be more people-centric, the new development will ensure sustainability and take into account green initiatives,” Hajiji said after chairing the TAED board of directors meeting here on Tuesday (Sept 7).

He added that the state government would ensure that all TAED projects are funded by private initiatives approved by the government.

“The TAED projects to be approved must not only be financially viable but also bring economic and social benefits for the people,” he said.

“We must remember that besides monetary gains, economic and social returns are equally important.

“This includes the number of jobs and business opportunities that will be created by TAED and its contribution to the development of the tourism sector,” he added.

Hajiji also disclosed that several companies had expressed interest in TAED, among them a Chinese government-linked company, China Railway Construction Company International Investment Group Ltd, through its local joint-venture company Mesra Melia Sdn Bhd.

Following the takeover of the state government by Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) in September last year, Hajiji said it was decided to go ahead with the TAED project on a smaller scale.

The TAED project that encompassed a multibillion-ringgit eco-tourism development was first mooted by the Sabah Barisan Nasional government and drew concerns from the public over issues of public space, including the beach being privatised.

When Warisan Plus took over the state government in 2018, the project was further scaled down with an assurance that the beachfront would remain open to the public.

Hajiji said the TAED board also decided to exclude two schools, SK Tanjung Aru I and SK Tanjung Aru II, from any development under the previous master development plan.



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