KOTA KINABALU, March 24 -- Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) must open its newly launched tourism jetty for public use, following growing concerns over the safety of existing facilities relied upon daily by Pulau Gaya residents.

Tanjung Aru assemblyman Datuk Junz Wong said the situation faced by islanders commuting to and from the city reflected a harsh reality, with many forced to use ageing, wet, and unsafe jetties.

Wong said he had received numerous complaints from residents highlighting the deteriorating condition of the current jetty infrastructure, which poses risks particularly to the elderly, children, and women.

"Every day, they risk their safety just to earn a living for their families. This is not acceptable in a city like Kota...