The tourism sector in Kudat is set to thrive when the Tuaran to Simpang Mengayau coastal highway is completed by 2021.

The construction of the scenic single carriageway is under the northwest package of the Pan Borneo Highway project is undertaken by PK Konsep Perunding Sdn Bhd.

"That is a good move by the government to look ahead because we depend a lot on the tourism sector.

"This coastal highway will open lots of new areas and opportunities for everybody" said PY Konsep managing director Dr James Yong during the consultant firm Chinese New Year celebration at Luyang on Friday, 23 February.

To date, this is their firm's biggest project since their establishment 30 years ago, providing civil structural and geotechnical consulting engineers, said Dr James who is also the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (Sabah) chairman.

"Although the economy is challenging this year which is a circle we manage to elevate ourselves, thanks to the Barisan Nasional government for appointing and given us the confidence in this project" said Dr James who is proud that his local based firm is able to take on the big companies from the peninsula.

Its chief operating officer Edwin Lo said once the 126km coastal highway is completed, it will shorten the travelling time by half an hour in future between Kota Kinabalu and Kudat.

"It will certainly boost the undeveloped tourism sector in Kudat as the government is emphasising on developing the coastline" said Lo.

There will be a rest and service centre for the travellers along the highway which is categorised as Rural 5 standard which is the highest quality, he said.

During the celebration, PY Konsep also donated 13 lion heads to the lion dance troupes as part of their corporate social responsibility.

"This is also our firm efforts to promote and preserve the Chinese culture in this multiracial society in Sabah otherwise the tradition will die naturally" said Dr James. Also present was its chief executive officer Victor Koh.