SEMPORNA: Businesses in the district which rely heavily on tourism and maritime activities are equally concerned over the impact of tensions in the Gulf that have driven up oil prices, leading to rising transportation costs, raw material prices and overall operating expenses.
Semporna Chinese Chamber of Commerce President Datuk Peter Gan, J.P, said:
“We realise the world has been becoming increasingly different in recent years.
“International conflicts, geopolitical tensions and global economic fluctuations are affecting our businesses every day.”
Gan, who is also the Deputy President of Sabah United Chinese Chambers of Commerce (SUCCC) said business owners must remain clear-headed in challenging times.
“We can no longer focus solely on expansion. Instead, we must learn to be steady – stabilising costs, cash flow, and direction. Avoid blind expansion and excessive risk-taking. Only by keeping steady can businesses endure and sustain for the long term,” he said.
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At the recent triennial Annual General Meeting and Executive Committee Election (2026-2029) of Semporna Chinese Chamber of Commerce. Gan secured nearly 100 per cent of the votes and was re-elected.
It is expected that Gan will retain his presidency of Semporna Chinese Chamber of Commerce without contest in the subsequent round of election to determine the positions of the elected committee members.
He said that Semporna remains a world-renowned tourist destination with unique natural resources that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
He said the recovering tourism industry has presented significant growth potential in the food and beverage sector, hospitality, retail and services sectors.
“However, the key is whether we are willing to improve ourselves. Are we able to enhance our services and maintain consistent quality to make customers want to return?
“Competition in the future is not merely who does more, but who does it better.”
Gan also highlighted the need for collaborations and resource sharing for businesses to go further.
He said the chamber’s role is to speak up for businesses, safeguard members’ interests, promote local economic development, and create more opportunities for the younger generation of entrepreneurs.
“In good times, the chamber serves as a bridge; in difficult times, it is a pillar of support,” he said.
He urged members to remain united in overcoming the challenges and building a better future together.
On a separate note, the Semporna Chinese Chamber of Commerce has passed two motions in the AGM, namely to propose to the government to expedite the beautification and upgrade of infrastructure in Semporna.
At present, there is still room for improvement in cleanliness, public toilets and urban planning. During the rainy season, some areas frequently experience water accumulation and even flooding, mainly caused by clogged drains and lack of maintenance of the drainage system.
This not only affects the district’s image but also disrupts the daily lives of residents and the operations of businesses.
Hence, the chamber recommended that the government strengthen the beautification efforts in Semporna, including improving cleanliness management, increasing and upgrading public toilet facilities, regular cleaning and maintenance of drainage systems.
At the same time, a comprehensive review and upgrading of existing drainage system should be carried out to effectively reduce flood risks.
The proposed systematic improvements will not only enhance visitor satisfaction but also help build a positive image and drive Semporna’s long-term economic development.
Secondly, the chamber urged the government to promptly improve water and electricity supply in Semporna.
The chamber stated that the growing number of visitors to Semporna has led to a significant increase in demand for water and electricity resources. However, some areas are still facing insufficient and unstable supply that has caused inconvenience to residents and business operations.
If these issues are not addressed in a timely manner, they may affect the overall visitor experience and, in turn, weaken the area’s appeal as a tourist destination.
Therefore, it is recommended that the government accelerate infrastructure upgrades and increase its allocation to boost the stability and capacity of water and electricity supply in Semporna.
Such measures will not only help safeguard the basic needs of residents but also provide a stronger foundation for the sustainable development of tourism and related industries.
