KOTA KINABALU: Once the bustling heart of commerce, Sandakan's old town has long struggled under the weight of neglect – its ageing shoplots overtaken by wild vegetation, its streets losing their charm and safety. Now, a revival has begun.
The Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) has launched an ambitious beautification drive, beginning with the removal of overgrown plants from rooftops and old buildings – the first of several actions aimed at restoring order, vibrancy and safety to the town centre.
For many residents, this long-awaited effort is more than cosmetic. It represents hope – the beginning of a journey to return Sandakan to its former glory, when it was once fondly known as the "Little Hong Kong" of Borneo.
MPS president Walter Kenson said the clean-up marks the launch of the "Sandakan Town Centre Cleanliness and Orderliness Programme."
"This is not just about beautification. It's about public safety. These plants have been growing unchecked on rooftops for years – they damage buildings, pose risks to pedestrians and create a sense of neglect," he said on Thursday (March 27).
Currently, the effort is to clear rooftops and facades along the stretch from Harbour Square to Nam Tung – many of which have been left untended for more than a decade.
"The overgrowth makes Sandakan look neglected and unsafe. That's the impression we need to fix, starting now," said Kenson during a night inspection.
To avoid disruption, the clean-up is carried out at night. MPS expects to complete this phase by the end of May or early June.
Once this is done, Kenson said MPS will move forward with a repainting campaign involving shoplot owners – a coordinated facelift supported by planned incentives and repair works.
"We're not doing this alone. We want to collaborate with business owners to create a town that feels alive again – safer and more attractive, especially at night," he said.
As part of the plan, the council is looking into offering a reduction in next year's assessment rate for participating owners – a proposal that has yet to be finalised but is expected to be implemented.
Kenson said a town-hall meeting would be held soon to outline the repainting effort and expectations, including minor repairs such as fixing leaking pipes or faulty rain gutters.
"It's not just about paint – we're addressing the basic upkeep of these buildings to ensure they're in good shape and presentable," he added.
This initiative ties in with the MPS Strategic Plan 2024-2028, which sets the course for Sandakan's transformation into a smart and sustainable city by 2030.
While Sandakan was once proudly declared the "Nature City," the old town has slipped into decline with empty shoplots, ageing facades and businesses shifting to newer districts like Bandar Indah and Bandar Utama.
Kenson acknowledged the damage but said it is not irreversible.
"People say Sandakan is fading – that it's a dying town. We're here to change that perception. It starts with reclaiming the heart of the city," he said.
He called for strong support from residents and businesses alike.
"With unity and cooperation, we can bring back the pride of Sandakan. We want both locals and visitors to see a town worth being part of," he said.
If successful, the programme may be extended to other parts of Sandakan in the future.
"For now, we're focused on this core area – but we're open to growing the effort if there's demand," said Kenson.
"Our goal is to see visible progress by year-end. A brighter, cleaner and more beautiful Sandakan – that's what we're working towards."
Located on the east coast of Sabah, Sandakan is the state's second-largest city and lies about 330km from Kota Kinabalu.
