SABAH POLLS: AFTER TWO TERMS, NIZAM PLEDGES MORE DEVELOPMENT FOR APAS

By Khatijah Jistoh

TAWAU, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- Incumbent Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan has pledged to gazette several long-established villages in the Apas state constituency that are currently deemed as squatter areas, should he be given a renewed mandate as Sabahans head to the polls in the 17th State Election tomorrow (Nov 29).

Nizam, the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidate for the seat, said Apas is a coastal region with numerous settlements that have been home to residents for many years but have yet to receive official gazettement.

“I am working to establish a new village by gazetting areas that have long been regarded as squatter settlements.

“Recently, I succeeded in securing government approval to gazette the settlement in Kampung Pangkalan Inderasabah after villagers had waited for many years. There are still many other settlements that require attention, and I will continue pushing for their regularisation,” he told Bernama.

In addition, Nizam said he plans to develop new townships, implement the People’s Housing Programme (PPR) and establish a Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) faculty in the Apas constituency, focusing on fields that align with the area’s economic potential.

He is also working to strengthen the local economy through collaborations with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), the Sabah Human Resources Development Department and community colleges to help residents acquire new skills and generate additional income.

As a two-term incumbent of the Apas state seat, Nizam said he has successfully addressed various community concerns over the years, including issues related to village roads, bridges and water supply.

“Water supply, which has long been an issue in our area, is showing improvement as old pipes in several villages have been replaced with newer and larger ones.

“Before this, the construction of static tanks was also successfully carried out in seven locations to help ease residents’ difficulties in obtaining clean water,” he said.

Sharing his report card, Nizam said several major village roads have also been upgraded from gravel to paved surfaces, including those in Kampung Titingan, Kampung Hidayat Batu 4, Kampung Tinagat and Kampung Inderasabah, to enhance accessibility and comfort for rural residents.

In addition, a few dilapidated mosques, including Masjid Tawfiq Al-Hidayat in Kampung Apas Parit and Masjid Nurul Awwal in Kampung Sungai Apas, have been rebuilt, alongside flood mitigation projects in the Sungai Tawau and Batu 4 areas.

“Also implemented are the development of the Tinagat and Batu Payung coastlines as new tourist attractions, as well as the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Friendly Homes project,” he said.

Meanwhile, Apas constituency community development unit supervisor Mohd Hafiz Rustam said Nizam has been consistent in ensuring that basic facilities such as roads, bridges and water supply are accessible to villagers.

A Batu Payung resident and Apas voter, Sabturani Angsa, 77, said he hopes to elect a leader who is diligent in going to the ground, approachable when meeting the people and committed to bringing development to Apas.

Badrie Mahmad, 45, from Wakuba, said he intends to choose a leader who is well-known and has contributed significantly to the community, including through assistance provided under the SMJ Friendly Homes initiative.

For the latest news on the 17th Sabah State Election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/sabah/index.php.

N68: APAS: SABAH: 32,241

1. Sarman Amat Simito                       (Warisan)

2. Marsiah Omat                                 (PPRS)

3. Herman Amdas                               (PIS)

4. Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan    (GRS-Gagasan rakyat)

5. Dr Elmiariezan Ardan                      (BN-UMNO)

6. Lim Ting Khai                                   (PN-Bersatu)

(2020: Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan: PN-Bersatu: Majority: 2,049)

-- BERNAMA