Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal (centre).
Despite generating billions of ringgit in exports for Sabah, Lahad Datu continues to face significant challenges such as high living costs, rising poverty levels, and inadequate basic infrastructure. This was highlighted by Silam assemblyman Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal during a recent session of the State Assembly.
While participating in the debate on the Sabah 2026 Budget, Yusof characterized Lahad Datu as an “economic contradiction”. The area is rich in resources yet burdened by social and infrastructural issues that impact the daily lives of its residents.
Economic Disparities
In 2024, Lahad Datu recorded an impressive RM11.97 billion in exports; however, the median monthly household income in the district is merely RM4,457, which falls significantly short of the living costs.
According to the Sabah Socioeconomic Report 2024, Lahad Datu has the highest Reasonable Living Expenses (PAKW) in Sabah at RM5,680 per month, surpassing both the state average and the capital, Kota Kinabalu.
“Families in Lahad Datu are essentially living in a financial deficit each month. They are not experiencing poverty due to a lack of effort, but rather because the cost of living here is the highest in Sabah,” he explained.
Growing Poverty and Youth Unemployment
Yusof cautioned that the widening income gap has led to increasing poverty levels. Lahad Datu is among the districts with the highest rates of hardcore poverty, with absolute poverty rising from 19.3 percent in 2019 to 23.5 percent in 2022, affecting approximately 14,000 households.
“This situation exists against the backdrop of extensive oil palm plantations and a port that generates significant revenue. It is an irony we must confront,” he stated.
He also pointed out the issue of underemployment among the youth, with nearly 70 percent of Lahad Datu’s 253,700 residents being of working age. Unfortunately, the increasing number of self-employed individuals indicates a lack of quality job opportunities.
Infrastructure Challenges
Regarding infrastructure, Yusof raised several pressing concerns impacting Silam, including the poor condition of roads near the Sports Complex roundabout and the Reno Fajar housing area, as well as the internal roads within the Lahad Datu Sports Complex.
He urged local authorities to address jurisdictional disputes involving local councils, developers, and state agencies, emphasizing that public safety should take precedence over bureaucratic delays.
Additionally, he called for immediate attention to the deteriorating seawall along Jalan Pantai near Hotel De-Leon, which he described as a neglected asset with significant tourism potential.
Prioritizing Key Projects
Yusof advocated for federal prioritization of several projects, including the upgrade of the Lahad Datu Health Clinic, which dates back to 1913, the long-overdue construction of the Tahfiz Model Ulul Albab (TMUA) religious secondary school, and the installation of floodlights at the Lahad Datu Sports Complex.
He further emphasized the chronic flooding issues in Kampung Sepagaya, persistent drainage problems in various areas, and the lack of access to clean water, electricity, and proper roads in Pulau Sakar and surrounding villages.
Moreover, he urged the state to expedite the construction of new fish, chicken, and vegetable markets in Lahad Datu town, citing the subpar condition of existing facilities.
Compassionate Land Compensation
In addition, Yusof called for a compassionate approach to land compensation related to the Pan Borneo Highway project on Jalan Silam, addressing both titled landowners and long-term residents living along road reserves.
“These are fundamental needs that the people of Silam have been waiting for far too long,” he concluded, urging the state government to ensure that Lahad Datu’s economic prosperity translates into meaningful improvements in the lives of its citizens.
The post Lahad Datu’s wealth overshadowed by high living costs, poverty, and infrastructure gaps, says rep appeared first on Borneo Post Online.
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Danny H is a real estate negotiator in Miri, specializing in residential and commercial properties. He provides trusted guidance, updated listings, and professional support through MiriProperty.com.my to help clients make confident property decisions.
