PENAMPANG: Ewon has called for clear data on corporate tax contributions from companies in the state’s major industrial parks.
He said the information is vital for advancing Sabah’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement claim.
He revealed that he had raised the issue during visits to Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) and the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) earlier in the day.
“Knowing how much tax non-Sabah companies pay is key to our fiscal negotiations with the Federal Government,” Ewon said.
Ewon emphasised that the move reflects his Sabah First economic agenda, prioritising income opportunities for Sabahans as entrepreneurs and employees.
He outlined three ministry priorities: strengthening investment and entrepreneurship, boosting SME development and quality standards, and improving service delivery.
He added that transport agencies such as Sabah Ports Authority, the Railway Department, and the Marine Department under his ministry will support a more efficient business environment.
KCCI President Datuk Ladislaus Maluda highlighted the chamber’s transformation from a contractor-dominated membership to a community of active entrepreneurs.
He said nearly 80 per cent of members now run businesses, compared with previous years when contractors were the majority.
Ladislaus credited Ewon’s leadership at the federal entrepreneurship ministry for giving KCCI access to national-level opportunities and agency boards.
“Our next goal is to enter the real corporate world, beginning with a business partnership signing witnessed today,” Ladislaus said.
He said KCCI must reduce reliance on government funding and focus on income-generating initiatives to sustain programmes and operations.
At the same event, he also announced KCCI’s strategic collaboration with Jaringan Semangat Sdn Bhd to establish a 3D printing technology training hub for indigenous entrepreneurs and presented the Entrepreneur Award to recognise outstanding local business owners, highlighting efforts to uplift skills, increase income, and improve living standards.
Organising Chairman Datuk Stephen Sampil said the 2025–2028 Supreme Council’s installation reaffirmed members’ commitment to their portfolios.
He highlighted a new entrepreneurship programme recognising indigenous business owners and inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs.
The ceremony ended with thanks to partners and contributors who supported KCCI’s mission for a resilient and sustainable entrepreneurial community.
