Kuala Lumpur: Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick has proposed developing the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) Lahad Datu as a BIMP-Eaga Special Economic Zone to attract international investment and strengthen the State’s industrial sector.
Ewon said the proposal was discussed with Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani at Parliament on Tuesday, following its submission during the recent 2027 Budget debate in the Dewan Rakyat.
He welcomed Johari’s support for the proposal and his willingness to visit Sabah for further discussions on developing POIC Lahad Datu and expanding international investment opportunities.
The meeting also discussed Esteel Sabah’s application to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) data centre at the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (Sogip), which requires approval from a special committee under the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti).
Ewon expressed hope that continued cooperation with Miti would accelerate industrial development, attract new investments and enhance Sabah’s industrial value and international competitiveness.
