Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Umno Information Chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir has called on the State Government to present concrete solutions for the 230 workers left jobless after the abrupt termination of Koperasi Serbaguna Sanya Berhad (Kosan) factory’s contract.
In a statement Tuesday, Suhaimi regretted the reckless handling of the 40-year-old factory’s closure without any mitigation plan to protect workers or sustain operations.
“The Government cannot simply cancel contracts that affect hundreds of livelihoods without a proper transition plan.
“Where is the protection for Sabahan workers? Where is the support for our local industries?” he said.
The Kosan factory, which had operated for over four decades as a key contributor to Sabah’s economy, was abruptly shut down after its government contract was terminated.
“This was no small operation, it supported families and local businesses for generations. Yet the State Government allowed it to collapse without offering alternatives or assistance,” he said, questioning the lack of intervention.
He demanded full transparency on the termination decision and raised concern about potential preferential treatment in contract awards.
“Was this a cost-cutting measure? Or were other interests prioritised over Sabahan workers? The public deserves answers,” he said.
He also urged the State Government to provide financial assistance to help Kosan resume operations, offer retraining programmes for displaced workers and facilitate new business opportunities for the factory.
“If the Government can bail out other companies, why abandon one that has served Sabah faithfully for 40 years?
“Sabah Umno would continue fighting for the workers,” he said.
