Hajiji, accompanied by Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar and State Secretary Datuk Zainudin Aman, signing the plaque to officiate the Tuaran River Conservation Project and New Tuaran Town Car Park at the new car park site in Tuaran today.
TUARAN: The State Government under the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS)-led administration has successfully strengthened the Native Courts (MAN) through the passing of the Native Courts Bill 2026 by the Sabah Legislative Assembly in July.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the approval marked a historic milestone, ending the State Government’s long wait to uphold and strengthen the Native customary legal system.
He said the move to strengthen the MAN was aimed at modernising the traditional Bumiputera legal system and ensuring it remained effective, relevant and credible in keeping with changing times.
“This effort is also aimed at ensuring that its jurisdiction is clearer, more organised and capable of preserving and upholding local customary laws,” he said when officiating at the Tuaran River Conservation Project and New Tuaran Town Car Park at the venue, here, today.
Hajiji said several key reforms had been achieved through the new enactment, including a stronger and more professional judicial structure.
He said the court system had been reorganised more comprehensively to encompass the District Native Court, Native High Court and Native Court of Appeal, as well as the establishment of the posts of Chief Judge and President of the Native Court, Native Court Counsel and Registrar.
“Judicial appointments are now planned based on merit to ensure a high level of integrity and credibility,” he said.
He said the strengthening exercise also involved a clearer separation between administrative and customary functions and judicial responsibilities.
However, the traditional roles of customary officials such as District Chiefs and Native Chiefs would continue to be preserved to maintain the customary foundations of Sabah’s communities.
He said that alongside the legal transformation, the GRS Government had also allocated funds to upgrade physical facilities, including a proposed upgrading of the Sabah Native Courts Complex and the construction of new courts in several districts to support a stronger institutional structure.
Hajiji said the move would not only enhance the image of customary institutions but also represent a critical step towards placing Native Customary Law on a more respected footing, on par with other components of the country’s legal system.
He said the GRS Government’s agenda had never been confined solely to physical and material development, but also encompassed efforts to preserve identity, heritage and customary legal institutions.
“Sabah is a land rich in cultural diversity, customs and the uniqueness of its native communities. Therefore, safeguarding the dignity and sovereignty of customary laws is a major responsibility shouldered by the government today,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hajiji said the inauguration of the Tuaran River Conservation Project and New Tuaran Town Car Park demonstrated the State Government’s continued commitment to ensuring comprehensive development, encompassing both modern infrastructure and environmental sustainability.
He said the Tuaran River was among the district’s important natural assets, not only for its environmental value but also because it formed part of the lives and history of the local community.
He said the challenges of climate change and riverbank erosion called for proactive government action. Therefore, conservation efforts must be carried out diligently to ensure the river remained clean, protected and free from activities that could harm its surroundings.
Hajiji said the bridge built under the project was designed based on the traditional fish trap, a fishing implement closely associated with the lives of the local community.
He said the Tamu Tuaran Bridge would not only serve as a new landmark for Tuaran town but also connect communities across the river with the Tamu Tuaran area, while facilitating movement, particularly for pedestrians.
On the new car park, he said the facility was provided in response to the rapid economic growth and increasing domestic activities in Tuaran town.
He said the growing number of vehicles, particularly on market days and weekends, often caused congestion, while the town also served as a focal point for residents carrying out their daily activities, including business and trading.
Hajiji also called on every district in Sabah to develop and promote tourism products and experiences with their own distinctive identities in preparation for Visit Sabah Year 2027.
He said Tuaran had attractive beaches, recreational centres, cultural and natural heritage, as well as economic, agricultural, fisheries and tourism activities that could be further developed.
