KOTA KINABALU: Research carried out by Institute For Development Studies Sabah (IDS) is vital for the state government to plan for better development.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir, who is in-charge of the institute, said he plans to fully utilise IDS' research capabilities in the planning and development of Sabah especially in rural areas.
He said the role of IDS is key to developing district masterplans within the initial phase of overall development.
"A masterplan for each district is a necessity, to identify their strongest assets and resources.
"Through such studies and planning, the state government is able to develop these districts efficiently," he said in a statement.
Yesterday, IDS Management Committee led by chief executive officer Anthony Kiob paid a courtesy call to Abidin at the State Administrative Centre, here.
In the meeting, Abidin also expressed his concerns regarding the increasing transient population in Sabah especially in urban areas.
"This issue needs to be addressed quickly, as the potential of the transient population altering the social and economic behaviour of our local communities is at a worrying level," he added.
Meanwhile, Kiob elaborated on successful district development plans drafted by the institute in the past, stating that the key to elevate the quality of life within rural communities is through the empowerment of district officers.
"By going to the grassroot level, the Institute is able to identify and reduce the gap in the development planning. Implementation by the federal and state government would be more cohesive, inclusive and sustainable." he said.