KOTA KINABALU, Aug 15 — A total of 1,600 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras will be installed across the city soon as City Hall (DBKK) moves to strengthen surveillance and protect public assets from vandalism.
Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah said funding for the project had been secured, with installation expected to begin soon.
“The expanded surveillance would also help safeguard public assets such as the newly unveiled ‘Remembering Australia Place’ mural from vandalism,” he said during the launch of the mural, Friday.
The project commemorates the historical links between Australia and Sabah, including the contribution of Australian personnel to the rebuilding of Jesselton after the Second World War, while Sabin hoped the artwork would become a vibrant and meaningful heritage destination for Kota Kinabalu.
The “Remembering Australia Place” mural, located on the Wisma Intiutama building in central Kota Kinabalu, was produced by local community arts organisation Pillars of Sabah, with support from the Australian High Commission and involvement from teachers and students of SMK Sanzac.
The mural is intended to tell the story of Australia-Sabah friendship, remembrance and people-to-people ties, with a QR code also planned on site to provide visitors with additional information about the area’s historical significance.
Sabin also said the Kota Kinabalu International Mayors’ Dialogue 2026 would bring together mayors, city leaders, policymakers, development partners and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and practical experiences on the challenges and opportunities facing cities.
He said the dialogue, scheduled for October, reflected Kota Kinabalu’s aspiration to strengthen city-to-city diplomacy and international cooperation, particularly in sustainable and resilient cities, smart city development, climate action, tourism, urban liveability and inclusive economic growth.
In this regard, Sabin invited Australian High Commission representatives and Australian city leaders to support and participate in the international dialogue, noting that two mayors from the United States had confirmed their participation.
He said Australian participation would provide an opportunity to strengthen practical cooperation and relationships between Kota Kinabalu and Australian cities, and expressed hope that the Australian High Commission could help facilitate the attendance of Australian city leaders.
Kota Kinabalu MP and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Chan Foong Hin hoped the mural would help stimulate the arrival of more Australian tourists to Sabah, particularly by strengthening awareness of the historical and contemporary connections between the two sides.
He also welcomed calls to restore direct flights between Australia and Sabah, saying he would raise the matter with his party secretary-general, who is also the Transport Minister. — Daily Express
Date: 15 August, 2026 4:00 pm
Source: Malay Mail
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