PENAMPANG: Three Sabah-based companies have officially applied to set up factories at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) under a new policy introduced as part of the Sabah First agenda.
Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedict said all three applications were received within a month when the new policy being implemented.
“Within a month, three Sabah-based companies have officially expressed their intention to open factories at KKIP in Sepanggar following the announcement and implementation of this policy.
“At this stage, the companies are discussing the terms with KKIP management, and I am very confident that the new policy will attract more Sabah-based companies and local industrial enterprises whose original sites may no longer have available land to build their factories, including those in Penampang,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating the Penampang Lantern Carnival 2026 at Buhavan Square, Donggongon, here on Saturday.
Ewon, who is also Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transportation Minister, said the new policy provides special lease and rental packages for industrial land and existing ready-built factory premises specifically for local entrepreneurs.
“Previously, the policy was the same regardless of whether the company was a local or an out-of-state company, with both subject to the same requirements.
“But under the spirit of the Sabah First agenda and the Sabah Maju Jaya development direction, we have introduced this new policy,” he said.
According to Ewon, the shortage of industrial sites in Penampang had made KKIP an option for local entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses.
“The light industrial zone in Penampang is becoming increasingly congested and do not seem to be many sites left for development. Therefore, the option is to expand to KKIP Industrial Park.
“Through this new policy, we want to provide space and opportunities for local companies to relocate or expand their businesses to KKIP,” he said.
Ewon also urged local businesses, including the Penampang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the KadazanDusun Chamber of Commerce, to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the state government.
“I hope both business communities will respond to the Sabah Government’s new policy and begin taking steps to expand their factories beyond Penampang to other industrial parks, starting with KKIP,” he added.
The two-day carnival, held from Sept 26 to 27, featured various activities including a lantern competition, cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations and food stalls.
Also present were Penampang Municipal Council president Noemi Dyena John Tren and Sabah Kapitan Chinese Welfare Association chairman Kapitan Alvin Land Yee Fong.
