TAMBUNAN: The government will ensure that hawkers and small traders in the region continue to thrive as they did before the COVID-19 strikes.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said he recognised that the past two years have been difficult for small businesses with many forced to close shops due to continuous lockdowns as the government battled to curb the spread of the virus.
“Now that the economic sector has been allowed to reopen, we can all breathe a sense of relief.
“Thus, today’s event which aims to kickstart the commercial activity in this district and help our local businesses in the best way possible,” he said at the opening of the Tambunan Tamu Besar event here on Tuesday.
Kitingan who is also the Keningau MP and Tambunan assemblyman said the event is an initiative by the government to test the ground and slowly ease the public back into their normal lives, albeit with the SOPs remaining in force.
“We want to get our domestic economy back in full swing but we must keep in mind that the pandemic isn’t over yet and public health must remain our top priority at all times,” he said.
On another note, Kitingan said his office is dedicated to make Tambunan an important hub for agriculture and tourism in Sabah.
This is because the district is blessed with fertile land and unique natural resources that are not present in other districts.
“However, we have seen an increase in the number of livestocks roaming public roads, and in some cases, resulting in accidents and loss of life and property.
“Therefore, I fully support the decision by the local authority to catch all these livestock that were left by their owners on the road as a lesson to better take care of their properties,” he said.
He said the measure will keep Tambunan clean as the district prepares to welcome tourists again next year.
Several activities were held during the event including choir performances, singing competition, magic show, puppet show, remote control car racing and others.
