KOTA KINABALU: An economic and investment development committee has been formed to develop Sandakan as the next city after Kota Kinabalu in the state.

       Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said this has been agreed by the state Cabinet, where the entity will plan development programmes to make Sandakan district more systematic and progressive.

       The committee is also expected to provide recommendations to the state government on potential development projects to generate economic and investment opportunities in Sandakan.

       In a statement here on Tuesday (June 29), the state Works Minister said Sandakan has big potential as it has interesting biodiversity as well as road connectivity and sufficient basic amenities to attract visitors and investors.

       “Sandakan development is expected to be driven by main economic clusters like tourism, industrial sector, agro-based businesses and human capital development.

       “The committee will collect information and assist the state government in economic and investment areas for Sandakan, in line with the efforts to upgrade Sandakan to a City Hall status (from the current Municipal Council),” he said in the statement issued after chairing the first meeting of the committee.

       The progress of Sandakan is also expected to have a spillover effect on neighbouring districts, such as Beluran, Kinabatangan and Tongod.

       “At the same time, Indonesia’s national capital move from Jakarta to Kalimantan is also expected to give a positive impact in terms of economic development in Sabah, particularly Sandakan.

       “Since we are geographically near to them, we can collaborate in supplying various needs as Kalimantan develops its infrastructure, and at the same time entice them to come to Sandakan, generating our own economy here,” he added.