SANDAKAN: Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) President Walter Kenson (pic) said it is implementing a comprehensive development strategy focused on local branding and micro-economy growth.
The initiative includes forging strategic partnerships with the Sandakan Chinese Chamber of Commerce to plan and drive the district’s economic development direction.
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“The MPS will establish a joint committee with the chamber to systematically discuss the local business ecosystem, industry layout and economic planning through public-private sector cooperation aimed at strengthening Sandakan’s position as a birthplace of local brands,” he said.
Walter said this after attending the opening of a local food brand outlet at Bandar IJM, Mile 6, here, on Sunday.
He noted that Sandakan has produced many successful food and retail enterprises that have expanded beyond the area and become established brands.
“However, for a long time, these have not been systematically organised and promoted, causing the ‘originating from Sandakan’ identity to fail to form as a commercial and economic attraction,” he said.
“Through cooperation with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the MPS will reorganise and promote products and brands originating from Sandakan, including the food and beverage sector, local products and related industries, to give more exposure and growth opportunities to local enterprises,” he said.
He also said MPS would, in future, forge strategic cooperation with the Sandakan Bird’s Nest Industry Association to promote the bird’s nest industry and related products from Sandakan.
“This will be implemented through industry integration and branding strategies to increase marketability and add value to local bird’s nest products, thereby strengthening Sandakan’s position as an important bird’s nest producing area,” he said.
On the policy front, Walter said MPS has simplified business licence and related permit application procedures, reducing bureaucratic red tape and unnecessary processes while fully implementing investment and business-friendly local authority policies.
He said as long as applications comply with local authority regulations and documentation is complete, MPS will approve and issue licences quickly without deliberate delays, in line with current administrative principles.
“The measures have shown results since mid-last year, with 2,273 business licences approved in Sandakan in 2024, increasing to 2,463 in 2025, a rise of nearly 10 per cent, reflecting increased public confidence in the business environment and policy direction,” he said.
“All applications that comply with regulations have been approved, demonstrating that previously vacant shops in urban areas are being reactivated, creating a positive impact on microeconomic development,” he added.
He said the MPS would continue to improve internal systems and workflows in 2026 to strengthen support for small and medium enterprises and the local service sector to ensure economic sustainability.
Walter also said that on a broader level, the MPS has discussed with elected representatives and relevant government agencies the key conditions for boosting Sandakan’s overall economic momentum, including improvements to major traffic routes and regional connectivity to overcome excessive dependence on local population support alone.
“Only by simultaneously strengthening infrastructure, the business environment and local brand development can Sandakan’s economy grow more rapidly and sustainably,” he said.
