Kota Kinabalu: Sabah China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) President Datuk Frankie Liew and former State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Ginger Phoong have called on all parties to remain vigilant against the abuse of tourist or social visa-free entry for illegal employment in Sabah.
They said such practices could disrupt the local labour market and undermine the legitimate interests of local businesses, stressing that the issue must be addressed seriously.
The call was made recently during a courtesy visit by an SCCC delegation, led by Liew, to Phoong, during which both sides exchanged views on Sabah-China economic cooperation, industrial development and talent cultivation.
Phoong, who is also Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sabah Chairman, said he had maintained close and constructive engagement with the SCCC leadership over the years in promoting cooperation between Sabah and China in trade, investment and industrial development.
He hoped that bilateral relations would continue to deepen and generate more development opportunities for Sabah.
During the meeting and a subsequent luncheon discussion, Phoong reiterated his “industrial-led prosperity” development approach.
He said Sabah must prioritise the training and retention of technical talent, promote innovation-driven manufacturing, and leverage new technologies to upgrade infrastructure to ensure sustainable economic growth.
He also reminded all parties to remain alert to individuals exploiting visa-free entry to engage in illegal employment activities in Sabah, noting that such actions could negatively affect the local workforce and business environment.
During the visit, the SCCC formally reappointed Phoong as its Honorary Advisor and invited him to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the chamber’s third council at Hakka Hall, here, on March 16.
Liew praised Phoong for his contributions to Sabah-China economic ties, noting his role in organising the Sabah-China Business Summit in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, as well as leading business delegations to China, including Hubei and Zhejiang provinces.
He said the SCCC would continue to serve as a bridge between Sabah and China to strengthen economic cooperation and support the State’s long-term development.
Also present were SCCC Deputy President Brett Chua; Vice Presidents Tan KJ, Datuk Jonathan Koh and Chiew Heng Hock; as well as committee members Hong Jia Hao, Joanis Yee, Cyndi Liu and Wong Chung Ming.
