KK marks 26th City Day with emphasis on smart, inclusive urban growth

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 3): Kota Kinabalu city celebrated its 26th anniversary on Monday with a renewed commitment to become a smarter, more inclusive, and sustainable city that prioritises both residents’ wellbeing and environmental preservation.

Mayor Dato Sri Dr Sabin Samitah said City Day was not merely a celebration of the city’s status, but a moment to reflect on achievements, challenges, and the future urban development directions.

“Urban progress cannot be measured solely by tall buildings or major projects, but by the daily lives of the people, including cleanliness, safety, functional public facilities and services that are delivered fairly and efficiently,” he said during the official celebration at the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK).

Acknowledging revenue constraints amid growing responsibilities, increasing population, tourist pressure and migration, Sabin said these challenges should not be excuse for inaction.

DBKK has begun modernising its systems through digital solutions such as Sabah Smart Parking, expanded online payment services, and digital booking systems to improve efficiency, transparency, and public convenience.

The council is also collaborating with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) on an Enterprise Architecture master plan to align information and communications technology planning with DBKK’s mission, enabling data-driven decision making through a single integrated source.

“This digital foundation will not only generate long term cost savings, but also accelerate innovation in public services and support the smart city agenda,” he said, adding that DBKK has been recognised by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) as an early adaptor under the Malaysia Smart City Rating.

Sabin highlighted the need to diversify Kota Kinabalu’s economy beyond tourism to ensure long term resilience, citing initiatives such as the Blue Ocean Tuna Project, strengthening the fisheries and high-value seafood sector, developing a safe and structured night-time economy, and revitalising of coastal and port areas as economic assets.

“Coastal beauty should not be seen merely as a visual attraction, but as an economic driver that can enhance quality tourism, create jobs, and reinforce Kota Kinabalu’s image as a competitive coastal city,” he said.

The mayor also stressed that urban development must remain people-centred, with efforts to improve social equity through structured housing, settlement upgrading, and better access to basic amenities for low- and middle-income groups.

Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, responsible for DBKK, said the state government fully supports the city council’s development direction, which aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) framework.

“DBKK plays a critical role in translating state policies into action, as developments in Kota Kinabalu directly influence investor confidence, visitor experience, and Sabah’s national and international image,” he said.

Joniston added that the state government would continue supporting DBKK through policy coordination, institutional backing and cooperation with relevant agencies, the private sector, and local communities to ensure effective implementation and tangible outcomes.

The celebration, themed ‘Making Kota Kinabalu a Smart City that Prioritises People’s Well Being and Environmental Sustainability’, featured cultural and creative activities, sports and recreational events, environmental awareness initiatives, and a city flag-raising ceremony.

Among those present was Deputy Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) Minister and Kota Kinabalu MP Datuk Chan Foong Hin.