Factors behind Sabah’s failure to industrialise
Published on: Friday, May 12, 2023
Liew (seventh right) leading a SCCC delegation to pay a courtesy call on Phoong (eighth from right).
Kota Kinabalu: Sabah’s industrialisation for the past 30 years can be described as a failure, says Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship (MIDE) Minister Phoong Jin Zhe.He said this is due to the poor infrastructural system, lack of foreign investors’ confidence and low port utilisation rate.ADVERTISEMENT
“In view of the fact that infrastructure facilities are not in place, our ports are not fully utilised.
“Sabah’s tourism industry can indeed benefit us, but the spillover effect is not significant. Coupled with various other factors, foreign investors have no confidence in Sabah,” he said during a courtesy call from a Sabah China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) delegation led by Datuk Frankie Liew.
Phoong also said 85 per cent of students do not pursue further studies after passing their SPM.
At the meeting, he also shared his ideas and plans on the electric vehicle industry, green and hydrogen energy and biomass.ADVERTISEMENT
He welcomed SCCC and other chambers of commerce to maintain close contact with him and the department towards the development of Sabah’s industries and enterprises.
Liew, meanwhile, said the purpose of the visit was to get a comprehensive understanding of the latest policies, directions and information of the State Government in related aspects.
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He said it was also to assist the Government in conveying relevant information from home and abroad institutions, chambers of commerce and the business community.
Liew also announced the establishment of a branch in Hubei helmed by branch President Zhou Fang Fang.
“Malaysia, as one of the important routes along the Belt and Road, and SCCC, as the most important local chamber of commerce to China, must promote bilateral economic, trade, cultural and educational interaction and cooperation in an all-round way.
“Therefore, the establishment of a branch in Hubei will more effectively connect the two places and at the same time promote activities and projects that help Sabah.
“Small and medium-sized enterprises in the Hubei Province will deepen economic trade and other industrial and commercial activities,” he said.
Liew added that the SCCC will also assist in promoting bilateral cooperation and projects between Chinese education and Chinese schools.
Zhou, after visiting to Kota Kinabalu High School (KKHS) and Sabah Tshung Tsin Secondary School, was impressed by the “unique policy of the two schools”.
“I shall bring this cultural and academic information back to various departments of the Hubei Provincial Government to report and discuss support and cooperation potential projects,” she said.
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