STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND URBAN PLANNING IN KOTA KINABALU: A COMPREHENSIVE SWOT/TOWS-AHP APPROACH

Yang Umar Aziman; Widyastuti Cahyaningrum; Kelvin Yong

doi:10.51200/jaaab.7837

Authors

Yang Umar Aziman Universiti Malaysia Sabah
Widyastuti Cahyaningrum Universitas Borneo Tarakan
Kelvin Yong Universiti Malaysia Sabah

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51200/jaaab.7837

Keywords:

Tourism industry, Ecotourism, SWOT analysis, TOWS matrix, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Sabah

Abstract

This study examines the infrastructure and urban planning landscape of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, using an integrated SWOT-TOWS-AHP approach to identify strategic priorities for sustainable urban development. Secondary data from government reports, academic literature, and industry publications were analyzed to evaluate the city’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The SWOT analysis revealed key strengths such as strategic location, modern infrastructure projects, tourism potential, and natural attractions, while major weaknesses included traffic congestion, urban sprawl, inadequate drainage systems, and limited affordable housing. Based on these findings, the TOWS matrix was used to formulate strategic alternatives. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was then applied to prioritize the proposed strategies through pairwise comparisons. The results indicated that promoting eco-tourism zones integrated with sustainable urban infrastructure was the highest-ranked strategy (38.0%), followed by the implementation of smart city technologies (19.0%) and the development of affordable housing and public transportation initiatives (11.1%). The findings provide a structured framework for policymakers and urban planners to support sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban growth in Kota Kinabalu.

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