KOTA KINABALU: Newly-appointed State Industrial Development Minister (MID) Phoong Jin Zhe will ensure a close coordination between his Ministry and the Federal Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry in order to develop entrepreneurship and industries in Sabah.
He expressed optimism that more can be done for Sabah with Penampang MP Datuk Ewon Benedick helming the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry.
He said it was also advantageous that the Federal Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, which the MID works with as well, has Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin as its Deputy Minister.
“This is an added advantage as the development of industries and entrepreneurship in Sabah are now under the care of Sabahans.
“I am confident that with this close cooperation and fresh young energy, we can bring more success to Sabah’s industries and entrepreneurs,” he told reporters after officiating the 2023 Chinese New Year (CNY) Sales Festival at Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, here, Friday.
With the 2023 Budget scheduled to be tabled next month, Phoong said he would work with Ewon and Chan to ensure a higher allocation for Sabah.
“And not just ensuring a bigger budget but also to introduce more programmes and initiatives to promote Sabah’s products which are needed to develop Sabah’s industries and entrepreneurship,” said Phoong.
As such, the Luyang Assemblyman urged Sabahans to support and shop for more locally made products instead of imported ones.
“Sabah’s local products need support not just from my Ministry but also the locals. We need to come together and help them so we can see Sabah’s products succeed not just in the State but also West Malaysia or even globally,” Phoong said.
He added that the Ministry is in the midst of designing a logo to symbolise Sabahan-made products, as part of its campaign to encourage people to support local products.
To this end, Phoong urged the public to visit the 2023 CNY Sales Festival from Jan 13 to 15 featuring some 40 local enterprises and show their support for Sabah-made products.
On water woes around the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) area, Phoong said he needed more time to understand the issue comprehensively before drawing up the best solution as it is not something that can be resolved overnight.
“I have visited the area and listened to their problems. I have also been briefed by my Permanent Secretary on the matter. I am working on this and will come up with the best solution for KKIP,” he said.
— Anthea Peter