A cocoa research centre for the country had just been established in Apas Balung, Tawau. About RM 3.5 million had been invested to setup the facilities. The reseach centre would be the base for all major cocoa research in Malaysia. Tawau was chosen because Tawau was a major cocoa producer in the country. .

Sabah's biggest Mosque is located at the coastal area of Bandar Sabindo. The project had been postponed for more than 5 years. But now the mosque has been completed and is capable of accomodating 18,000 people at one time. The mosque will be another landmark for Tawau.