SANDAKAN: Sandakan MP Vivian Wong Shir Yee lambasted Warisan’s Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong for opposing the setting up of an electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant in Sandakan, accusing him of hindering the district’s economic growth and deterring investors.
Chong wanted the Government to reconsider Sandakan and relocate the project to Kota Kinabalu. Wong said such remarks could jeopardise investment opportunities and prevent progress in Sandakan.
“For years, the Sabah Government, along with Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe and myself, had been working hard to attract investments to Sandakan.
“We have been facilitating private sector initiatives, including an EV assembly plant at the POIC Industrial Park, to create jobs and boost the local economy,” she said.
The project, led by Maxland Auto Sdn Bhd, is a privately funded initiative that had already secured a Federal Manufacturing Licence (FML) from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida).
The company has committed RM100 million in investments by 2028, with plans to create up to 500 jobs during its third phase of development, which will include a full-fledged manufacturing plant.
“This is a major step towards Sabah’s green industrialisation and economic diversification. It is disappointing that instead of supporting such progress, the Elopura Assemblyman is trying to derail a project that will benefit Sandakan,” she said.
She also criticised Chong’s earlier complaints about Sandakan Airport without first engaging with the management to discuss possible improvements.
She warned that portraying Sandakan negatively could deter investors and hinder economic opportunities for the people.
“He is paid with taxpayers’ money, yet he is working against the interests of the people,” she said.
