BONGAWAN: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidate Tan Sri Anifah Aman has one goal in mind — how to create sustainable and scalable income for the people in Bongawan.
He said the answer lies underground.
“It is black gold,” he said, referring to oil and gas.
Anifah who has experience in venturing the oil and gas-related business said he saw the opportunity years ago but circumstances prevented him from fulfilling it.
This time, he is determined to make it happen for Bongawan, as the people need an anchor industry to transform their lives and secure a more stable future for thousands of youths.
“I want Bongawan youths to stay close to home and not look for jobs elsewhere,” he said.
He wants to transform Bongawan into Sabah’s next major oil and gas hub, insisting the proposal is driven by experience and genuine commitment rather than election-season rhetoric.
Drawing from his role in establishing the Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal (SOGT) in Kimanis and his nine years as Foreign Minister, Anifah said he is confident that Bongawan has all the makings of a strategic energy centre.
“This is not a political proposal tied to the election. It is something very close to my heart. Based on my past experience and success, I know this can be realised,” he said.
Anifah believes the achievements in Kimanis can be replicated in Bongawan.
“All I’m asking is for the people of Bongawan to give me the mandate once again. Allow me to fulfil this unfulfilled dream.”“The industry’s demand for engineers, technical specialists, plant operators, logistics personnel and administrative workers would open the door to high-quality job opportunities for local residents, especially young people, without requiring them to migrate elsewhere.
“Economic activity around Bongawan would grow rapidly as supporting industries—fabrication, engineering services, shipping companies, logistics providers, and various vendors—move in.
“Local businesses such as shops, eateries, accommodations and transport services would also benefit from increased demand,” he said.
Anifah said the hub could strengthen Sabah’s revenue through taxes, licensing and potential royalties, enabling the state government to invest more in public infrastructure and community development.
He said major upgrades would be needed in road systems, logistics facilities, water supply, electricity and telecommunications—improvements that would directly enhance daily life for residents.
He also highlighted the entrepreneurial potential for locals, who could offer services ranging from security and transportation to industrial cleaning, machinery rentals and food supply.
Ultimately, Anifah believes the development could position Bongawan as one of Sabah’s new strategic zones, similar to Bintulu or Kemaman, giving the constituency a stronger identity and a significant role in the state’s energy landscape.
He is facing a nine-cornered fight in this 17th State Election to go up against Warisan’s incumbent Datuk Dr Daud Yusof, and Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad bin Alamin representing Barisan Nasional (BN), while the remaining ones are Ridzuan Agus Payong of Perikatan Nasional (PN), Hussin Dasar @ Esah of Parti Perpaduan Rakyat Sabah (PPRS), and Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) candidate Peter Matinjal.
The remaining contenders are Dolores Micheal from Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star), Royston Adven of Parti Impian Sabah (PIS) and Independent candidate Md Harris Md Tahir.