Gaya Island Will Be Transformed to a Tourism Destination

Gaya Island, one of the few islands fronting Kota Kinabalu City, is poised to become a tourism destination. For many years, governments of the day have tried but have not succeeded in resolving the illegal squatters’ issue which has plagued the State, including in health, social, safety and security aspects.

The present GRS-led state government has pledged to resolve the squatter issue through relocation. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said that the island has a special place in Sabah’s history. The Government will beautify and transform the island into one of Sabah’s tourist attractions, Hajiji said. Gaya Island’s location is ideal for visitors and tourists, being about a five-minute boat ride from the State Capital.

“The idea and plan to transform the island has been discussed for quite some time and we are now planning to relocate the local people in island. The island will become a good tourist attraction and destination but the presence of squatters on the island must be resolved first, " the CM said.

Hajiji shared the government plans in his speech on 7 April 2024, at the Kembara Kasih Ramadan programme at SK Pulau Gaya. The Chief Minister said the Putatan Parliament Office under Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya plans to build a Health Clinic on the island. During the visit, Hajiji presented financial aid to students; and Raya Aidil Fitri contributions to the community.