KUDAT, Sept 16 — Rapid development has boosted the economy of Pulau Banggi, Malaysia’s largest island located about 70 kilometres from Kudat on the mainland, accessible only by ferry or speedboat.
A recent Bernama check found that what was once a forested area with no basic amenities has undergone a comprehensive transformation since Sabah became part of Malaysia.
Infrastructure such as paved roads, internet access in most areas, as well as improved electricity and water supply have made daily life on the island easier and more harmonious.
Razif Sarabi, 40, from the Development Unit of the Banggi Sub-District Office, said official data shows that the island is home to about 15,000 residents whose main economic activities include fishing, oil palm and rubber.
“The majority of residents here are from the Ubian, Dusun Banggi, Kegayan, Suluk and Bajau communities. The island covers an area of 126,570 acres and, being the northernmost part of Sabah, was officially declared a district in 1975,” he told Bernama.
Razif added that the island now has 46 villages and 15 schools, including a secondary school serving the local population.
Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Banggi. — Bernama pic
Having served on the island for 17 years, he recalled that when he first started, there were no paved roads, and residents faced major challenges in getting around.
“At that time, there was no clean water supply and no electricity. These issues meant the quality of life was stagnant, with more than 70 per cent of residents categorised as poor,” he said.
However, he noted that year by year, things have improved with more basic infrastructure in place, even if still not entirely sufficient.
In the early 2000s, he said, roads were not paved and were impassable during the rainy season, making it difficult for residents to transport agricultural produce for sale elsewhere.
“Internet was also a challenge – people used to climb trees or hills to get a signal. Now we can access the internet easily from home. There are about 15 kilometres of paved roads from Karakit to nearby villages,” he said.
He added that new facilities have also been built for residents, including a jetty and fish market in Karakit completed this year, both of which are vital for the local community.
The Kudat Ferry Terminal serves as the gateway to Pulau Banggi, Malaysia’s largest island, located about 70km from mainland Kudat and accessible only by ferry or speedboat. There are two trips daily from the Kudat Terminal to Pulau Banggi. — Bernama pic
Finding identity
Pulau Banggi, Malaysia’s largest island, once a wilderness without basic amenities, has now found its identity as a developing island community.
Every ferry and speedboat journey from Kudat, about 70 kilometres away, brings passengers to a world transformed – paved roads, telecommunications towers and power lines have changed the rhythm of daily life for its people.
The transformation has reshaped the island’s spirit. Once cut off, residents now enjoy internet connectivity, clean water and electricity, which have brought harmony and new opportunities into their lives.
Baki Alim, 52, from Kampung Batu Layar, said he was born on the island where his ancestors also lived.
“We have always wanted development equal to other places. Looking back before and just after independence, there was nothing here, no facilities, life was hard. But year after year, things have changed and we are proud to see how far we’ve come.
Karakit town on Pulau Banggi is steadily developing with facilities including a police station, mosque, market stalls and hall. — Bernama pic
“We are very grateful to the government for bringing progress here, creating jobs and improving our lives,” said Baki, who now works as a machinery operator.
He said that since this month, islanders no longer need to travel to Kudat to spend the RM100 Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) appreciation aid, as it can now be used at five shops on the island.
“Previously, I had to go to Kudat to redeem Sara, which was not worth it because ferry fare is RM23 one way. Now we can use it here at five shops, which is much easier and the goods available are sufficient,” he said.
Baki said job opportunities have also grown on the island with the opening of shops, plantations and other businesses, most of which employ local residents.
Rapid development has boosted the economy of Pulau Banggi, Malaysia’s largest island located about 70 kilometres from Kudat on the mainland, accessible only by ferry or speedboat. — Bernama pic
For trader Asniah Bungsu, 50, from Kampung Batu Putih, the improvement in road access has made it easier to travel daily from her village to Karakit, where she has sold local delicacies for the past 20 years.
“In the past we had to walk and sometimes sleep overnight at the stall because it was far from the village. Now things are very different. I can even sell through WhatsApp.
“With the internet, everything is possible – customers can order and pay online, which really helps small traders like us,” she said.
For Abdullah Apil, 55, a taxi driver from Kampung Padang 2, better roads and internet services have also been a game-changer.
“With better roads, we can take passengers anywhere without difficulty. And with phones and the internet, we don’t need to wait in the sun or rain in the car anymore.
“Customers contact us via WhatsApp, so we can get bookings even while sitting at home. This helps not just drivers but also passengers who need our services,” he said.
However, Abdullah and other residents hope the government will continue to develop the island, especially in resolving the recent electricity supply issues. — Bernama
