By WU VUIDE
PENAMPANG: Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick visited four small and medium enterprises (SMEs) here to assess their performance and strengthen support for local industries.
The visit provided an opportunity to better understand the needs of businesses on the ground.
The four enterprises — Ja Hwa Bakery, Indahmanis Label and Packaging, Twinine and SL Products — have recorded strong growth in food manufacturing, packaging and local-based products.
Collectively, the companies generated revenues ranging from RM8 million to RM16 million and employed between 15 and 100 local workers, reflecting the strength of the SME sector in the district.
“Ja Hwa Bakery recorded revenue exceeding RM16 million last year with about 100 employees, while Indahmanis Label and Packaging generated more than RM13 million with around 80 workers and serves over 500 client companies.
“Twinine posted revenue of more than RM8 million with 40 employees, while SL Products generated over RM10 million with 15 workers through the production of bird’s nest-based products and seafood,” he said.
Ewon said the performance of the companies showed that local entrepreneurs are capable of growing and competing in the industry.
He encouraged SMEs to tap into government initiatives to expand their businesses while creating jobs for Sabahans.
“The ministry will continue to support efforts to increase production capacity, expand market reach and improve competitiveness,” he said.
Also present were Industrial Development and Research Department (DIDR) director Siti Nur’Ain Abdullah, Sabah Agro Industrial Park (SAIP) general manager Annef Osyairi Osman, SME Corp Malaysia Sabah director Valentine Thomas, Penampang District Council president Noemi Dyena John Tren, and Penampang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI) president Datuk Victor Kou.
Ewon (fourth, left), receives a souvenir during the visit at SL Products as guests look on.
