Joniston reviews the land planning layout for the Kiulu town expansion during a site inspection, with construction work on the Bayag Bridge currently in progress.
Joniston…new shophouses, a football field, a full-fledged police station and low-cost housing in Kiulu new proposed Township.
KIULU : – Plans to expand Kiulu township moved a step closer today as Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai carried out a site inspection to review detailed plans for the long-awaited project.
The visit came following a Kiulu town development and expansion commitee meeting on Aug 25, which focused on driving Kiulu’s transformation into a well-planned, sustainable township and ensuring that infrastructure development keeps pace with the community’s growing needs.
Present during the site visit were Rural Development Ministry Deputy Permanent Secretary (community) Neldin Gimbang, Tuaran District Officer Herman Tugigging, Kiulu Assistant District Officer Leprus Esuvas Giswa, Tuaran District Council Executive Officer Jamlin Ladin and Tuaran Member of Parliament representative Jinik Boliking.
Officers from relevant government departments and agencies and local community leaders were also in attendance.
Joniston, who has long championed rural development, said the planned township expansion is closely linked to the ongoing construction of the Bayag Bridge, a project expected to be a game changer for improving connectivity and creating new economic opportunities in the area.
“The Bayag Bridge is not just about better access but connecting communities and unlocking Kiulu’s potential, and with the township expansion moving forward, we can plan facilities and services that better serve our growing potential while positioning Kiulu as a vibrant rural hub,” he said.
Among the proposed facilities in the plan are new shophouses, a football field, a full-fledged police station and low-cost housing, aimed at improving access to essential services while supporting Kiulu’s growing role as a premier rural tourism destination.
Joniston, who is the Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, noted that the township’s growth has been shaped by Kiulu’s unique position as both an agricultural base and an eco-tourism draw.
With more visitors discovering Kiulu as an authentic community-based eco-tourism destination, he stressed that development must balance economic progress with sustainability.
“We want to bring better services and facilities to the community without losing the charm and identity that make Kiulu special, and this is about improving livelihoods while protecting our environment, culture and way of life,” he said.
Grassroots leaders have welcomed the township expansion plan, describing it as timely and necessary to unlock Kiulu’s growing potential and create opportunities that can encourage young people to stay and thrive in the community.
Joniston assured the community that he would continue to push for developments that are practical, inclusive, and aligned with Kiulu’s long-term needs.