Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, Datuk Ewon Benedick, has proposed giving Invest Sabah greater authority to lead the state’s investment promotion efforts, particularly in attracting investors to industrial parks across Sabah.
Ewon, accompanied by Assistant Minister Datuk Johnnybone J. Kurum, visited the agency on Monday as part of a series of courtesy visits to departments, agencies and government-linked companies under the ministry.
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He received a briefing from Invest Sabah Chief Executive Officer Dr Firdausi Suffian on the agency’s role in promoting Sabah’s investment potential to domestic and international investors.
Ewon welcomed Invest Sabah’s proposal to develop a Sabah Investment Plan, saying it could serve as key input for the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 Development Plan.
“I have shared my vision for the ministry and its agencies, including Invest Sabah. From the briefing presented, the agency already has several promotional programmes planned, not only targeting China but also Southeast Asia, Europe and beyond,” he said.
He stressed the need for greater coordination between state investment bodies, noting that the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) also plays a role in investment matters.
“I intend to hold discussions to ensure Invest Sabah is given full room to carry out investment promotion. It should have a clear and specific mandate to support the development of industrial investments, especially in our industrial parks,” he added.
Ewon said promotional efforts must not be limited to existing parks in Kota Kinabalu, Sipitang, Lahad Datu and planned sites in Kota Belud, Kudat and Kimanis.
“We want investment benefits to reach all corners of Sabah, not only selected districts. New industrial areas should also be included in promotion programmes so that economic spillover is widespread,” he said.
He added that the state would work closely with the Federal Government in positioning Sabah as a priority investment destination, including strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.
Ewon also expressed confidence that a more empowered Invest Sabah will help accelerate growth and attract high-value industries, driving the state toward stronger economic competitiveness.
