Sandakan Municipal Council proposes measures to revitalize town center

The Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) is proposing several measures to revitalize Sandakan's town center, which has seen a decline in activity as businesses migrate to newer development areas. Current data indicates that approximately 20 percent of ground-floor lots are vacant, while over half of the spaces on upper floors remain empty.

To combat this, MPS President Datuk Walter Kenson is advocating for lower rental rates, suggesting a target of below RM2,500 to encourage tenants. As an incentive, premises that return to operation or secure new business licenses will be eligible for a 50 percent assessment tax discount in the following year. MPS also plans to collaborate with real estate agents to find tenants for vacant spaces.

Additionally, a proposal has been submitted to the Sabah Ministry of Local Government and Housing to establish a night economy. Under this plan, non-risk businesses, such as clothing stores, could operate 24 hours a day, while risk-categorized businesses, including pubs and karaoke outlets, would be permitted to operate until 4:00 AM. Datuk Dr. Maijol Mahap stated that the ministry will review these proposals to determine the best course of action for the region.