Kota belud: The Kota Belud Industrial Park Master Plan is poised for presentation at the upcoming Sabah State Cabinet meeting, as announced by Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick. Ewon, who holds the portfolio of Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship, and Transport, emphasized the alignment of this initiative with the state government's prior commitment to establish new industrial parks in Kota Belud and Kudat to bolster economic growth in Sabah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the responsibility for implementing the development of the Kota Belud Industrial Park has been entrusted to Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP), an agency under Ewon's ministry. Ewon expressed confidence in gaining support from Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and other cabinet members, which would pave the way for marketing efforts and investor attraction.

Ewon disclosed that approximately 5,260 hectares have been earmarked for the industrial park's phased development, contingent on the State Cabinet's decision. The proposed site lies in the Pintasan constituency, adjacent to the Kota Marudu and Kota Belud districts, and near the coastal area of Pantai Kota Belud.

As the state assemblyman for Kadamaian, Ewon highlighted the importance of engaging with large domestic and international companies to invite investment and operational activities within the industrial park. He stressed the economic opportunities that the park would present to the local community, aiding both existing entrepreneurs and graduates from Kota Belud.

In addition, Ewon announced his intention to lead a trade mission abroad, accompanying the Chief Minister, particularly to China, to engage with potential investors. He expressed hope for local community support, emphasizing the significance of fostering higher-level economic activities such as industrial parks to stimulate the region's economy beyond Kota Belud town.