By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick described the construction of a RM150 million logistics hub and warehouse by Kim Teck Cheong (KTC) Consolidated Berhad as a proud success story for a Sabah-based company.
Ewon, who is also the Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister, said the investment demonstrated the Sabah Government’s commitment to supporting local companies with the credibility and capability to drive the state’s industrial development to a higher level.
“KTC’s achievement today, as a Sabah-based company listed on Bursa Malaysia that continues to invest in the state, shows that the Sabah Government gives priority to local companies that can be elevated and have the credibility to advance Sabah’s industrial sector,” he said.
He said this after officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony for the KTC Consolidated Berhad logistics hub and warehouse at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) here yesterday.
Ewon said the project is expected to create more than 500 job opportunities for Sabahans when fully completed within one-and-a-half years.
“This does not include the potential participation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the supply chain and services sector that will grow following the completion of this logistics hub,” he said.
He said the investment also reflected the positive growth of Sabah’s industrial sector, which continues to expand through collaborations with foreign companies.
Ewon said his ministry would continue to provide support, advisory services and facilitation to ease domestic and foreign investments into Sabah.
“Sabah’s trade mission to China last week also demonstrated the confidence of international industry players in Sabah’s potential as a new industrial development hub in the region,” he said.
He said one of the outcomes of the trade mission was the signing of a preliminary agreement between KTC and Dongfeng Motor involving an estimated value of RM30 million.
“The collaboration includes a proposal to build an assembly plant for 200 vehicles in Sabah, further reflecting the continued interest of foreign investors in the state despite global economic uncertainties.
“They are aware of the global economic challenges and current crises, yet they still intend to expand into Southeast Asia through Sabah.
“At the end of this month, a delegation from China will visit Sabah, followed by another delegation of industry players in July,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ewon said the State Government is studying policies and special incentives to assist Sabah-based SMEs in establishing operations in the state’s industrial parks.
On port congestion issues and the impact of the Middle East crisis on the global economy, he said the State Government is implementing an interim action plan which will be presented to the State Cabinet.
“I will present to the Cabinet the latest developments regarding the interim action plan agreed upon last February,” he said.
He also expressed optimism over the State Government’s plan to open three more industrial parks in Kota Belud, Beaufort and Kudat, which he believes will attract more investments into Sabah in the future.
“I see Sabah reaching a stage where foreign investor interest in the state is growing, and hopefully the government’s plan to open three more industrial parks in Kota Belud, Beaufort and Kudat will provide opportunities for foreign investors to view Sabah as their investment destination,” he said.
Ewon (centre), and guests perform the groundbreaking ceremony.
