The Church of Mary Immaculate (CMI) is located in Luyang, a thriving inner-urban neighborhood located to the east of Kota Kinabalu. Built by Fr Thomas Sham in 1993, the church was constructed after Fr Sham noticed the difficulties faced by parishioners trying to attend services at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. After positive discussions with the state finance ministry officials and Bishop John Lee, Fr Sham successfully put into motion a plan to build the new church. Featuring a 60-ft bell tower with an electric chime, the church underwent two name changes before finally being named the Church of Mary Immaculate. In 1999, a grotto was built in honor of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, and the church grounds were blessed by Bishop John Lee. The church serves the communities of Luyang and the surrounding areas, including 20 tamans in nine different zones. From the Tun Faud Park area to Penampang along Jalan Bundusan and up to Kinamount, the Church of Mary Immaculate offers spiritual support to a wide range of residents.