Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government is moving forward with an interim action plan to address port congestion and the broader economic impact arising from the ongoing Middle East crisis, said Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Ewon, who is also State Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister, said the action plan will soon be presented to the State Cabinet as part of the Government’s proactive measures to strengthen Sabah’s economic resilience amid global uncertainties.
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“I will present to the Cabinet the latest developments regarding the interim action plan that was agreed upon last February,” he told the media during the Kim Teck Cheong (KTC) Consolidated Berhad groundbreaking ceremony for its new logistics and warehouse facility.
Despite concerns surrounding global economic instability, Ewon said investor confidence in Sabah continues to strengthen, particularly among foreign industry players seeking expansion opportunities in Southeast Asia through the State.
He revealed that Sabah’s recent trade mission to China demonstrated growing international confidence in Sabah’s industrial potential, including the signing of a preliminary agreement between KTC and Dongfeng Motor worth approximately RM30 million.
The collaboration includes a proposal to establish a vehicle assembly plant in Sabah capable of assembling 200 vehicles.
“They understand the challenges of the global economy and the current crises, yet they still expressed their intention to expand into Southeast Asia through Sabah,” Ewon said.
He added that delegations from China are expected to visit Sabah later this month and again in July, reflecting sustained international interest in the State’s industrial development agenda.
Ewon also expressed optimism over Sabah’s plans to develop three additional industrial parks in Kota Belud, Beaufort and Kudat to accommodate future investments.
At the same time, the State Government is reviewing policies and special incentives to support local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in establishing operations within Sabah’s industrial parks.
Earlier, Ewon officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for KTC’s RM150 million logistics and warehouse hub at Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP).
The project is expected to be completed within approximately one and a half years and will create more than 500 job opportunities for Sabahans, while also expanding opportunities for SMEs through supply chain and support services participation.
Ewon described the investment as a strong example of a Sabah-grown company continuing to reinvest in the State and contributing to the advancement of Sabah’s industrial sector.
Caption: Ewon (centre) together with distinguished guests at the groundbreaking ceremony.
