KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s business sector and civil society groups appear at odds over the proposal to set up an Indian consulate here, with the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC), Labuan Indian Chamber of Commerce and Sabah Indian Muslim Chamber of Commerce and Industry being the latest to welcome the Indian Government’s move.
They said the move could open new doors for the state’s tourism, trade and investment sectors and bring much needed revenue to the local economy.
MCCC Sabah Director of Commercial Affairs Brian Ho said a permanent Indian diplomatic presence in the State would improve institutional and business-to-business engagement, ease administrative processes and strengthen confidence among potential investors and travellers.
“In recent years, India’s outbound tourism has grown rapidly, supported by rising disposable incomes and a growing middle and upper class. Several regional destinations have actively positioned themselves in the Indian market and are already reaping substantial benefits,” Brian said.
He noted while Sabah offers internationally recognised attractions including Mount Kinabalu, the islands, rainforests and wildlife, awareness of the state among Indian travellers remains limited compared to Bangkok, Singapore and Dubai. He described this gap as an opportunity.
Brian said the consulate could also support efforts to expand air connectivity, including the potential introduction of direct flights between India and Sabah, which he described as a key factor in growing tourist arrivals.
Beyond tourism, he said trade opportunities between Sabah and India extend well beyond existing palm oil exports, pointing to halal products, agro-processing, education, medical tourism, hospitality and the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector as areas of potential growth.
“In the context of global supply chain realignment and increasing economic diversification, Sabah must adopt an open and forward-looking approach in engaging emerging markets.
“Building a broader and more resilient trade network is essential for long-term competitiveness,” he said.
Brian said that Sabah’s development strategy should not depend on any single market and the state should pursue diversified partnerships with both China and India alongside other economies.
Among those who objected were Star President Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and Parti Warisan while Sabah Development Studies Institute, State Minister Datuk Rina Jainal and Nominated Assemblyman cum GRS Sec. Gen. Datuk Mohd Razali Razi called for further study.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested the consulate in Sabah to Malaysian counterpart Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his recent visit.
_(1)_(1).%5B1%5D.png)
