An aerial view of Semporna taken in 1952 the year I was born.
This is how it looked like about half a century ago, almost nothing to show off, yet I am still proud to have been born a bumi here, eventhough Semporna is just small town situated in the east coast of Sabah, but she has established milestone of our history perhaps people of Semporna have the gut to be proud.
Tun Sakaran Dandai, former Head of State Of Sabah and former Chief Minister of Sabah, was also born in Semporna, a great man he is of his time to his people and will always be remembered not only for his influential momentum leadership and for his significant contributions for the struggle of Independence of Sabah, but also for his humble and pious charismatic appeal as Islam devoter, followed his footsteps is a promising young leader of our time, Datuk Mohd Shafie Apdal, now entrusted with the porfolio of Federal Government Minister of Solidarity, Culture and Heritage of Malaysia, and Datuk Nasir Tun Sakaran, The Minister in The Chief Minister Department of Sabah and in fact he is also the eldest son of Tun Sakaran.
Semporna today is absolutely differant from what was potrayed half a century ago, the picture was purposely displayed with no intention other then to keep me reminded of where I came from, It is a generical symbol to what eventualy shall endure to contribute to our people and hometown Semporna at the utmost efforts. The process of Nation and State Independence achievements in the progress changes the images of Semporna to modern facilitated town, and developed rapidly after the ruling party UMNO came into power. Soon You will see a bridge connecting the mainland to nearby Island Pulau Bum-Bum to add a landmark, with which will benefit people in mainland Semporna with those who domicile in the Island to a better communication and improve both socially and economically. Tourism Industry is as one potential source of investment to highlight, predominently run by non bumis according to my opinion need to be aligned and expose broadly to enable Local Bumi enterproners to find a place. Sipadan Island is already known through out the world as one of world most fascinating under water tourism edventure and The Anual Native Cultural Fiesta of Regga Lepa is perhaps a gateway for Bumis to increase their participation in the industry. As a matter of fact achievements of the Bumis in economic developments field is still at slower gauge and must be accelerated where our Local leaders must take promising responds.
Semporna in year 2000 not entirely tranformed but have achieved level marked in our National Map.
Below are pictures of garlanded Bajau Traditional Boat a mean of transport during the old days and now have became trademark of Bajau Anual Native Cultural Fiesta ” Reggetta Lepa “ a history in Sabah Tourim Calander.
