Kota Kinabalu: State Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, said 2024 marks a significant turning point in industrial development, with over RM10 billion invested in the first nine months alone as Sabah embarks on its industrialisation journey.
“Notably, the completion and full operational status of the 3-billion Kibing project in the first quarter of 2024, alongside the successful first shipment and imminent full operation of SK, highlight our progress.
“With an increase in export value and the creation of over 2000 high-skilled jobs, these investments underscore my ministry’s commitment to propelling Sabah towards a progressive future,” Phoong said.
He said this at a media luncheon hosted by his Ministry in conjunction with the Chinese New Year.
SPONSORED CONTENT Mengalum for world’s first net zero carbon island resort Taiwan’s Sinyi Group is on track to unveil the world’s first unique net zero carbon island resort on Mengalum Island. . Read more “On behalf of the Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Sabah, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our media friends for their unwavering support and unwavering commitment.
“Your dedication to excellence inspires us to continue striving for greater achievements and to build a brighter future for Sabah.
“As we embark on this New Year, let us reaffirm our commitment to working hand in hand, forging stronger bonds, and achieving greater success together,” he said.
On the programme at hand, he said it is a heartfelt gesture to express his Ministry’s sincere appreciation for the dedication, commitment, and hard work of the media.
“As we usher in the Year of the Dragon, we recognise the invaluable role played by the media in fostering communication, transparency, and understanding within our community.
“Over the past five years, through your relentless efforts, media partners have consistently supported our growth, especially in numerous federal, state and by-elections,”
“We are confident that with the current political stability, we will not witness any elections in the near future,” he said.
In TAWAU, the State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry will remain committed in empowering the State’s food industry so that local products can penetrate overseas markets.
Phoong said last year his Ministry allocated RM15 million to help Sabah’s food industry entrepreneurs to increase the marketability of their products in the international market.
He said the food industry remains one of the important industries in Tawau and was happy to learn that an Amplang (seafood cracker) company here managed to export their products to Japan during his visit there last year.
“Everything started with small steps before being finally able to export their products to the world market... This is a good start for Sabah.
“This year, I will plan a promotional visit to potential countries for us to help entrepreneurs further expand local products.”
He said this during the Tawau International Light Fest 2024 (Celebrating CNY with DAP Leaders) at Dataran Fuji Park, Jalan Sin Onn, recently.
Also present were Tawau MP Datuk Lo Su Fui, Sabah DAP Chairman cum Tanjong Papat Assemblyman, Datuk Frankie Poon Ming Fung and Sandakan MP Vivian Wong.
Phoong, who is also Luyang Assemblyman, said Sabahans are lucky because each race is never marginalised and given a fair chance to celebrate their respective festivals.
He said the State Government also allocates funds to every race and religion to organise various activities to celebrate their celebrations, including Chinese New Year festivities at various levels.
He saw that the effort was capable of increasing the spirit of unity and racial harmony in Sabah, as well as ensuring that the State’s peace was maintained.
Meanwhile, Frankie hoped that the International Light Fest 2024 in Tawau will continue to be held every year in conjunction with Chinese New Year due to its positive economic impacts.
“Not only does this bring joy to the local community, this programme has a positive impact on the people’s economy as many visitors come on site,” he said.
The International Light Fest 2024 runs for eight days from Feb 1 to 8 featuring various light displays, including a giant dragon lantern spanning 88 feet long and 22 feet high.
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