Kota Kinabalu: The Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Ministry (Mindet) continues to implement various initiatives to enhance the marketability of local products both domestically and internationally.
Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Jonnybone Kurum said the ministry remains committed to strengthening local entrepreneurs’ capabilities through structured programmes and support schemes.
He said the Sabah Entrepreneur Transformation Programme (Trus) was introduced to improve product packaging quality to enable entry into local and overseas supermarkets, benefiting 250 entrepreneurs over the past five years.
“The programme includes assistance in new product design, nutritional content, barcoding and expiry date labelling,” he said in response to a question by Nabawan Assemblyman Datuk Abdul Ghani Mohamed Yassin.
He added that the SME-Up assistance programme, coordinated by the Industrial Development and Research Department (DIDR), has supported 5,879 entrepreneurs with machinery, equipment, trademark registration and halal certification as of 2025.
Jonnybone said the ministry also conducts continuous entrepreneurship development courses to strengthen production capacity, expand market access and improve product quality and certification recognition.
“These include courses on Mesti certification, retort technology, halal compliance, pricing strategies, and digital marketing through TikTok and Facebook,” he said.
He said the Ministry, through Sabah Economic Development Corporation (Sedco), also implements halal and Mesti certification programmes for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), providing guidance, training and premises upgrading support.
“Six entrepreneurs successfully obtained halal certification for their products in 2025,” he said.
Jonnybone said the ministry has also facilitated fast-track marketing programmes in collaboration with local supermarkets, including Bataras, producing 299 new entrepreneurs over five years.
He added that a strategic collaboration with AEON aims to expand Sabah products into the peninsula market, with 25 entrepreneurs selected for guidance on compliance, packaging and marketing strategies.
He said participation in international expos remains a key initiative to expand export markets and increase sales for Sabah-made products.
“In 2025, participation in 18 international expos involving 124 entrepreneurs generated potential sales of RM95.9 million, a 37.12 per cent increase compared to RM60.4 million in 2024,” he said.
He said the ministry will participate in 13 international trade expos this year, including events in Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Hong Kong, France and Indonesia.
Jonnybone said the Sabah International Expo 2026, scheduled from Sept 2-6, will further position Sabah as a competitive trade and investment destination.
“The expo will connect public and private sectors and promote trade within the Bimp-Eaga market of over 80 million people,” he said.
He added that initiatives through the Sabah Trade and Tourism Office in Singapore (STTOS) include market readiness seminars and Sabah Fest Singapore Edition to strengthen market access.
Jonnybone said the Ministry is also collaborating with CAIQ Biosecurity Sdn Bhd to help 20 entrepreneurs penetrate the China market through compliance and export readiness programmes.
To a supplementary question by Senallang Assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister, said the State Government is working with the Federal Government to provide appropriate assistance to small and medium enterprises facing rising operational costs.
“We are bringing back information on a RM5 billion financing guarantee scheme announced by the Federal Government to support businesses requiring additional funding,” he said.
He added that the Ministry will continue engagement with business associations to ensure government initiatives are effectively communicated.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister II cum Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the Finance Ministry had established a taskforce to assess current conditions and the impact of rising fuel prices.
“The taskforce will recommend adjustments to the State Cabinet, including measures to assist those affected,” he said.
