Date of Survey – 12 February 1999
ICZM area
Kudat ICZM project area covers 630 km 2 which is almost all of Kudat (95%). This is partly due to its peninsula- shaped land. The non-coastal areas are hilly areas in the central part of the district.
Population
Population of the district is 56,047 in 1991 and it is expected to grow to 90,699 by 2005, an increase of 61.8%. Urban population is expected to increase from 21,918 to 35,469. The preferred strategy for the district is to increase urban population to 45,000, an additional urban space of approximately 138 hectares.
|
|
1991
|
Trend
2005
|
Preferred
2005
|
|
Total
Population
|
56,047
|
90,699
|
90,699
|
|
Urban
Population
|
21,918
|
35,469
|
45,000
|
|
Rural
Population
|
34,129
|
55,230
|
45,699
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Urban
Development 1991-2005
:
138 ha.
|
Of
which 83 ha.
Prime
Agricultural Land
|
||
Source: 1991 Census & ICZM Working Group
Planning Schemes
The Kudat District Land Use Planning Scheme serves as a planning guide to the development of the district. Like all schemes, the scheme shows zoning on a cadastral base at a scale of 16 chains/inch. The scheme, which was approved by the Town & Regional Planning Department (T&RPD) in 1995, however is still in draft plan form.
Topography
Most of the Kudat Peninsula is mountainous. Little floodplains and meander belts are found along the short rivers. Tidal swamps mostly outlines eastern coastline and beaches on the western coastline.
Vegetation and Environment
There are no major rivers flowing in the northern part of the district. Lands which are suitable for agriculture are also very limited. However there are more cultivated land than land suitable for agriculture. Most of these are covered by coconut tree crops.
The group of Pulau Banggi and Pulau Balambangan islands has huge potential for agricultural resources.
Growth centres
The town of Kudat is the major growth centre for the district. It is located on the eastern side of the peninsula. The Kudat town itself has plenty of development land without the need to expand outwards. Another growth centre in the district is Sikuati. A new township too is being developed at Matunggong.
Settlements
Settlements occur mainly along the major Kudat-KK road. Settlements in Kudat are expanding northwards along the coast to Pantai Bak-Bak, a popular picnic spot.
Infrastructural
Most of the roads leading to Kudat are in good condition. Water supply however is the main problem of the district.
Economic
Agriculture is the main economic activity of the district. However most of this is carried out in small scale. Fisheries and limited tourism are other economic activities of the district. Studies also shows that Kudat is rich in mineral resources particularly gas along the west coast to the north. Therefore there is high potential for gas to come onshore and run power turbines.
Urban
The little sign of dynamism shown by Kudat town exacerbates the development constraint. For now there is very little pressure for developments. The attitude of locals to external investment may also prevent further interest in the area.
The biggest advantage for Kudat district however is that it has no serious case of illegal immigrants. This can encourage settlements to be developed in a more orderly fashion. The Council’s efficient enforcement of the town’s cleanliness throughout the years too is an advantage.
Kudat too has a great potential to be developed as a historical district, being the first capital town of the State in 1881.
Rural
Despite the good roads, the development of Kudat district as a whole remains slow. There have been efforts by the State government to promote development in the district such as introducing the Theme villages along the highways to attract visitors outside Kudat.
Agriculture
The lack of fresh water may have caused limited agricultural suitable land. As a result the northern part of Kudat is unable to grow oil palm except in south. Coconuts are planted instead. However coconut is a low value crop at present.
Forestry
Huge areas with potential for forest resources exist along the beach north of Sikuati. However forest-related industries in Kudat are almost non-existent.
Fisheries
The fishery activities have been going on in Kudat for quite a long time. Pulau Banggi too has potential sea-related activities such as seaweed cultivation.
Land, Water and Air Transport
As Kudat is located at the northern tip of the State, the buck stops here unless a different mode of transportation is built or upgraded for access out of the district. For example, the upgrading of the airport, port services and facilities. At present the airport is under-utilised and likely to be closed. There are also plans for airport relocation to the west coast. However this is subject to the feasibility of such moves.
The port jetty too is insufficient. There are also plans to link ferries from the planned terminal in Kudat to the Philippines due to its proximity. With the town area already expanded to cater such developments, Kudat is set to go.
Water Supply
The major constraint for development in Kudat district is water. As there are no major rivers flowing in the northern area, it cannot store much water! Kudat town for instance imports one third of water supply requirements from Kota Marudu as the present water capacity is unable to cope with the demand.
Power
Power is quite sufficient. Power disruptions occur occasionally.
Communications
Telecommunication particularly cellular communications are limited to the urban areas. Television reception too is limited to certain channels.
Health
Health facilities are sufficient at the moment with the existing hospital. Private clinics also help to supplement the health facilities.
Education
Education facilities such as schools are sufficient at the moment.
Recreation & Leisure
Bak-bak beach provides recreational and leisure activities to both locals and foreigners. Other facilities are moderate.
Liquid & Solid Waste Disposal
As in most of the districts in the State, there are no proper solid waste disposal facilities.
Irrigation & Flood Control
No major irrigation schemes are found in Kudat due to the lack of agricultural land. Flooding too is not a major constraint in Kudat.
Due to the lack of land suitable for agriculture, Kudat should look into other potential resources. Gas for instance has great potential to be explored and developed. However sufficient infrastructure to support the industry is needed.
Tourism is a possibility for Kudat. Pulau Banggi in particular can promote fishing sport. However better hotel facilities are needed to accommodate future influxes of tourists.
Settlements
Areas around urban Kudat and along the coast until Bak-Bak beach have available development lands for urban expansion.
Natural Resources
Utilisation of the forest north of Sikuati might be an option to increase the economic activities of the district.
As water supply is very limited in Kudat, protection of rivers is very crucial.
Infrastructure
A detailed plan of the water resources of the district is crucial to ensure all developments within the district are economically viable.
In order for Kudat to develop, creating linkages to outside Kudat such as Pitas, Kota Marudu and even the Philippines may be the answer. These involve the redevelopment of the port and the airport and also better hotel facilities.
Urban growth is vital for the development of the district and therefore it is justifiable to increase the urban population as to what it is stated in the preferred strategy. This will help to create development impulses throughout the district.