Enhanced Water supply, New Township in Tongod

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor – on his visit to Tongod on 20 May 2026 – presented 239 Native Title land grants covering 583 hectares (1,441 acres) to the people of Tongod. Of the total, 199 grants involving 500 hectares (1,235 acres) were Native Titles, and 40 draft PANTAS grants involving seven mukims covering 83 hectares (205 acres). Under the GRS-led administration, the government has enhanced road networks linking Tongod with surrounding districts such as Keningau, Telupid, Sandakan and Tawau to improve mobility for the people and stimulate downstream economic growth in the area. Tongod has recorded significant progress in infrastructure development ranging from road connectivity, the economy, education and sustainable tourism potential.

“Tongod has vast land areas with strong potential for modern agricultural development. We want the youths in Tongod to seize opportunities to further their studies, including in technical and skills-based fields. The State Government is providing various incentives to help transform subsistence farming into commercial agriculture capable of increasing household incomes,” Hajiji said on 20 May 2026 during the launch of the Tongod District Level Kaamatan Festival 2026 at Tongod.

ongod is geographically located at the centre of Sabah, and the district is often referred as “The Heart of Sabah.” Tongod possesses highly valuable natural treasures, including the Imbak Canyon Conservation Area, which is a world-renown eco-tourism destination. The development of Tongod’s tourism sector must also move in tandem with efforts to preserve the authenticity of local cultures, including empowering handicraft products, traditional food and homestay programmes managed by local communities, Hajiji said. The CM said that the water supply issue in Tongod will be resolved soon.

In April 2026, the Federal Ministry of Rural and Regional Development has handed over the authority to the State Government to implement water supply projects with an allocation of RM4 billion including the implementation of Rural Water Supply (Bekalan Air Luar Bandar or BALB) projects. A private company will develop a new Tongod township on its own land, including the construction of government offices in the new township. Hajiji said that the private-public partnership in infrastructure development in Tongod is a good indication of a win-win strategic cooperation.

On the Kaamatan celebration, Hajiji stressed that the festival symbolises gratitude for a bountiful harvest, and serves as an important platform to strengthen unity and harmony among Sabah’s multi-racial communities in line with this year 2026’s theme “Harvesting Unity, Celebrating Harmony."