Seri Mengasih Centre in Tanjung Aru is expected to be relocated to a three-acre land at One Sulaman Kingfisher by December this year.

The move, which was meant to make way for the Tanjung Aru Eco-Development (TAED), proved the government's concern over the people particularly those in need, said Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah.

"The State government, under the leadership of our Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Hj Aman, is a very caring government.

"We will not leave anybody behind especially people who need help by the government, and that is why the new centre will be set up in One Sulaman" he said during Seri Mengasih Centre Chinese New Year celebration on Thursday, 22 February.

According to him, the ‘mega' TAED project marks a big improvement for the State which may only take place with the cooperation from various parties.

"In order to commence the development works, we need to first acquire back the lands from relevant parties in Tanjung Aru.

"This (project) is for the betterment of people in the State not only in Kota Kinabalu because this is a large or may I say mega-development for Sabah" said Edward who is also Tanjung Aru Assemblyman.

He stressed that construction works to the new centre have started.

He further commended the centre for organising multiple fundraising programmes and encouraged the team to seek for more fund from companies and such.

"I hope the centre stays as what it is today and with the government's help through the new centre, it will be much better for our children" he said.

Meanwhile, Seri Mengasih Centre executive director Monica Chua stated that they are prepared to move into the new centre anytime.

"We would bring all of our equipment here so they would not be of waste" she said, adding that the new centre would also comprise quarters for staff due to the more distant location.

To date, Seri Mengasih Centre is manned by 42 staff, who train some 104 students with developmental and intellectual disabilities daily to enable these individuals to gain employment, social inclusion and independent adult living.

During the celebration, yesterday, students, volunteers and teachers who were treated to a lion dance performance, also received angpows and goodies from Edward and his wife Datin Mary Wong.

Apart from a special angpow from Edward, the centre also received RM10,000 sponsorship from Penulaju Sdn Bhd for the centre's fundraising programme, Heroes Run 2018.