Henley Liew (2nd left) with other SAPP Sandakan leaders during the recent unveiling of the “Sandakan Economic Revival Plan”.
SANDAKAN : – The Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) has proposed a comprehensive “Sandakan Economic Revival Plan” aimed at revitalizing the city’s economy and restoring its vibrancy from the 1960s and 1970s.
The plan was unveiled by Henley Liew, vice chairman of SAPP’s Tanjong Papat CLC, who called on both state and federal governments to support its implementation. The blueprint focuses on seven key strategic areas to drive systematic and holistic development:
Strengthening SMEs: Identified as the backbone of the local economy, SMEs require improved infrastructure—including reliable roads, electricity, and water supply—to boost efficiency, particularly in food processing and downstream palm oil industries.
Boosting Tourism: The plan advocates leveraging Sandakan’s rich ecological resources and seafood to promote the city as a premier destination for tourism and gastronomy.
Establishing an Industrial Park: Proposing land allocation near the city for an industrial park to attract investment from small and medium-scale manufacturers and expand export markets.
Setting up an Urban Transformation Centre (UTC): As Sabah’s second-largest town, Sandakan should have its own UTC to co-locate state and federal departments, enhancing administrative efficiency for residents.
Enhancing Youth Skills Training: The creation of a skills training centre is recommended to offer TVET courses for youth and school leavers, aligning workforce skills with market demands.
Improving Public Safety and Municipal Facilities: Addressing recurring issues like potholes, faulty streetlights, and clogged drains through a long-term maintenance plan to ensure public safety.
Forming a Think Tank: Establishing a “Sandakan Economic Recovery Plan” think tank, comprising experts, government officials, and business leaders, to chart the city’s development blueprint.
Liew expressed confidence that the multi-faceted plan would inject fresh momentum into Sandakan, paving the way for comprehensive economic and social progress.
