KOTA KINABALU: The United Sabah Islamic Association (USIA) is taking steps to help further enhance tourism development in Semporna, which is one of the world-class tourist destinations in the region.
USIA president Datuk Sapawi Haji Ahmad said that USIA, determined to revive the glory of the past, aims to develop and fully utilize its land assets, especially those that have been neglected.
In this regard, Sapawi said that USIA has signed an MoU with Sinergi Dayang Sdn Bhd to collaborate in developing USIA’s land in Semporna, on the east coast of Sabah.
Sapawi told reporters this after witnessing the MoU signing ceremony at SICC here on Friday.
During the ceremony, USIA was represented by Iman bin Ali, the Secretary-General of USIA, while Azlan Shah bin Mohd Yusoh, the Chief Executive Officer, signed on behalf of Sinergi Dayang Sdn Bhd.
The MoU ceremony was also attended by the Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister (Religious Affairs) of Sabah, Datuk Haji Ruslan Muharam, who represented the Chief Minister of Sabah.
According to the MoU agreement, Sapawi said that all parties have agreed to fully cooperate in successfully advancing the tourism industry in Semporna, in line with the slogan “Sabah Maju Jaya.”.
“The location of the land (in Semporna) is strategically advantageous, close to the main road and basic amenities such as water and electricity.
“The environment, which has various facilities and the presence of commercial centres, is believed to attract the interest of future buyers,” he said.
It is understood that Sinergi Dayang Sdn Bhd, also known as Citaglobal, is responsible for developing approximately 108 shop buildings that can be used or utilized for tourism purposes, including accommodation facilities.
Sapawi said that the project is expected to commence soon and is hoped to be completed within a period of two years.
Regarding the renovation of the old USIA building in Sembulan, he said that it will be carried out in the near future, and this initiative has also received strong support from the state government.
Earlier, Sapawi said that USIA had held a supreme council meeting and handed over the contribution to Asnaf to all USIA representatives in the division.
