TAWAU, SABAH, MALAYSIA, November 20, 2025 – Sabah DAP, through Pakatan Harapan (PH), today revealed an impressive service record by Sri Tanjong candidate Philip Yap Wui Lip, listing 10 key achievements delivered since 2022 despite numerous political challenges and the defection of the previous assemblyman to another party.
At a press conference held at the PH-DAP Sri Tanjong Operations Room, Sabah DAP Chairman Phoong Jin Zhe, together with State Secretary Vivian Wong and Philip Yap Wui Lip himself, stressed that DAP Tawau has remained steadfast in serving the people regardless of the election season.
“Although former Sri Tanjong assemblyman Justin Wong left DAP to join Parti Warisan in 2022, Philip Yap and our team have successfully delivered 10 major achievements over these three challenging years,” said Phoong.
Among the highlighted achievements are:
1. Serving the Community, Care That Never Stops
Every Sunday, Philip Yap and the DAP Tawau team operate a mobile service counter at Pasar Sin On, listening to the people’s concerns, resolving daily issues, and providing free blood pressure and blood sugar checks for senior citizens. The service centre also offers free monthly legal advice sessions.
2. Large-Scale Cultural Programmes, Strengthening Unity
Since 2019, DAP Tawau has consistently organised the Chinese New Year Night Market and Lantern Festival every year, fostering racial harmony and preserving cultural heritage.
3. Promoting Tawau Products, Advancing Agricultural Economy
Philip Yap collaborated with local farmers to promote Tawau’s “QAV1” avocado variety all the way to Parliament House in Kuala Lumpur. He also worked with Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities Industries Datuk Chan Foong Hin to channel RM856,200 in grants under the Smallholder Oil Palm Replanting Scheme 2.0 (TSPKS 2.0) to 10 smallholders in Tawau.
4. Launching New Tawau Tourism Guide – Food & Destinations
A free “Tawau Food & Destinations” poster/guide was produced and distributed at Tawau Airport to encourage tourists who normally only stop in Semporna to explore Tawau’s unique attractions and cuisine.
5. Continuous Assistance, Revitalising the Local Economy
Initiatives such as the “Jom Beli di Pasar Sin On” programme provide RM100 vouchers to needy families, easing their burden while boosting income for small traders and reviving the traditional market.
6. DAP Never Abandons the People
During prolonged water supply disruptions, DAP Tawau rented water tankers and delivered water door-to-door to affected residents.
7. Tawau Airport Upgrade
Following lobbying by Philip Yap, the Federal Government allocated RM120.9 million to expand and upgrade Tawau Airport, with construction starting in August 2025 and expected completion within three years.
8. More Proactive ROCKET Projects – Tawau Progresses Together
Through persistent efforts, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming announced RM67.76 million for 62 public amenity projects benefiting 230,000 residents, including a new RM42.9 million sanitary landfill and a new fire station.
9. Resolving Water Supply Issues with Full Federal Support
The Federal Government allocated RM1 billion to upgrade Sabah’s water supply system, including new treatment facilities in Tawau, despite water being under state jurisdiction.
10. Special Focus on Tawau Schools
Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh, after feedback from Philip Yap, announced RM170,000 in special allocations to upgrade facilities at three schools: SJK(C) Hing Hwa, SM St. Patrick, and SK Sentosa.
Philip Yap Wui Lip emphasised DAP Tawau’s unwavering commitment to the people in both good times and bad.
“We are not a party that only appears during election season. This record proves that we serve consistently, diligently, and continuously,” he said.
The press conference is seen as the opening move in DAP Sabah’s campaign ahead of the upcoming Sabah state election, with a strong focus on grassroots issues in Tawau such as infrastructure, local economy, education, and community welfare.
