Kota Kinabalu: The Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Sabah (MINDET) will develop a financing access support ecosystem to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in industrial parks across Sabah.
Its Minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said the ministry is currently formulating initiatives to facilitate financing access for SME companies seeking to operate in industrial parks, whether at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) or Sabah Agro Industrial Park Sdn Bhd (SAIP).
Among the main challenges faced by entrepreneurs, he said, are collateral requirements imposed by financial institutions, particularly when land and buildings in industrial parks cannot be used as collateral.
“At the ministry level, I have held preliminary discussions and received support from banks and several related agencies to explore ways to assist companies in Sabah in obtaining financing.
“We hope this collaboration can be finalized in the near future,” Ewon said while officiating at the Chinese New Year celebration organized by the Penampang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI) at Hakka Hall in Likas on Saturday.
The event was attended by leaders and members of Chinese business chambers and associations in the state.
In a related development, Ewon said the ministry will commence a Sabah Transport Master Plan study this year, covering land, sea and air transportation, including logistics requirements to support the state’s enterprise and industrial ecosystem.
He added that MINDET will also continue efforts to promote Sabah as an investment destination, including organizing the inaugural Sabah Oil & Gas Services Conference & Exhibition (SOGCE) in June 2026 and opening two additional industrial parks in Kudat and Kota Belud.
On congestion issues at Sepanggar Bay Port, he said the ministry is implementing eight interim action plans agreed upon by the State Cabinet following a recent presentation.
“After receiving complaints and proposals from various parties, I have made this issue my top priority.
“I am confident that the implementation of eight interim measures will streamline port operations, including cargo clearance processes,” he said, adding that the same leadership approach will be applied to address issues at ports in Sandakan and Tawau.
He said his ministry had submitted proposed interim measures, which were presented at the Sabah Cabinet meeting on February 4, 2026, and were subsequently agreed upon.
Ewon said one of the key measures includes the addition of a temporary container yard through the creation of a new area to increase container storage and handling capacity. The facility is expected to begin operations by the end of March 2026.
In addition, he said previously approved revised deterrent charges would be enforced to encourage faster container clearance and reduce congestion in storage areas.
“The State Government will also tighten enforcement on containers that exceed the permitted storage period.
“Records show that 120 containers have exceeded the stipulated storage period, including 103 containers that have already received Customs clearance but remain at the port, some for more than a year,” he said.
Accordingly, Ewon said Section 46 of the Sabah Ports Authority Enactment 1981 will be enforced to enable disposal or auction actions to be carried out.
He added that to improve container turnover rates, the free storage period during peak seasons will be reduced from five days to three days.
At the same time, all transport companies will be required to use the Vehicle Booking System (VBS) to better regulate and organize vehicle movements without imposing additional financial implications on operators.
In addition, the port operator will undertake upgrades to machinery and container handling equipment through the addition of assets and operational support to enhance efficiency and capacity at the port.
As the Member of Parliament for Penampang, Ewon reaffirmed his commitment to implementing the Penampang Development Master Plan 2024–2035, including working closely with PCCCI and 28 Chinese community associations in the constituency.
“I am confident that this Chinese New Year celebration will spur economic growth, entrepreneurship and overall well-being for traders and the people as a whole,” he said.
Meanwhile, PCCCI President Victor Kou said the chamber commended Ewon for his continued efforts in advancing local industries and supporting SMEs in the state.
“PCCCI reaffirms its commitment to serving as a bridge between the business sector, the community and the government, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue and strategic collaboration to strengthen Sabah’s industrial and entrepreneurial landscape.
“The chamber also renders full support to the ‘Sabah First’ agenda championed by Ewon, and we are confident that progressive state policies will continue to spur growth in the industrial and business sectors,” he said in his speech at PCCCI’s Chinese New Year celebration and gala dinner at Hakka Hall on Feb 13.
Victor said the Lunar New Year, marked by the Year of the Horse, symbolizes new beginnings, prosperity and unity, while also reflecting Sabah’s multicultural harmony — a key foundation for the state’s economic and social progress, particularly in Penampang.
He added that PCCCI acknowledged the minister’s initiatives in enhancing transportation and infrastructure, describing them as crucial to ensuring smoother business operations and sustained economic development.
Looking ahead, Victor said the chamber remains committed to working closely with the government to further strengthen economic cooperation in Penampang and across Sabah.
Also present were Moyog assemblyman Datuk Donald Mojuntin, Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) and Sabah United Chinese Chamber of Commerce President Datuk Michael Lui, Member of the Sabah State Economic Advisory Council Tan Sri Andrew Lew, Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah Chairman Datuk Dexter Lau, and other Chinese community leaders.
