MP Chan has big plans for Kota Kinabalu

But he first wants to solve two key problems plaguing the state capital.

A view of Kota Kinabalu, the Sabah state capital. (Bernama pic)

KOTA KINABALU: Newly elected Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin is eyeing two problematic sectors in the city: public transport and housing.

He said he would raise these two issues at the Dewan Rakyat to seek federal government help for bigger allocations.

Speaking to FMT, Chan said he had been receiving many complaints from his constituents.

“Some want to know what is going to happen to the Star City project, a joint venture project between a private developer and the state government.

Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin.

“This abandoned building, right in the heart of the city, is quite unsightly.”

He said some of these problems would need the cooperation of the state government.

In Kota Kinabalu’s case, problems such as cleanliness, enforcement of local bylaws and collection of assessment fees come under City Hall.

He hinted that the contract of the current mayor, Yeo Boon Hai, who has been city mayor since 2016, may not be extended once his term ended.

He said he would be attending a meeting on Monday on how to apply and utilise his MP’s allocation so that he can use the funds for small projects in his area.

Under the previous administration, opposition MPs did not receive any allocation to serve their constituencies, while BN and BN-friendly representatives were given RM5 million a year each.

Chan said his allocation of RM700,000, of which RM200,000 is for office use, is for the June-December period.

The RM500,000 is divided into three categories — RM100,000 for welfare and disaster aid, RM200,000 for programmes and NGO handouts, and RM200,000 for small infrastructure projects.

Chan said he was trying to keep his overheads low to help finance more projects of benefit to the people.

He plans to organise a cultural event or carnival to re-image Kota Kinabalu, featuring its local history, food, culture and many others. -FMT