Labuan: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, has called on Labuan Corporation (LC) to extend its responsibilities beyond traditional areas such as waste management, roads, and drains to become a proactive facilitator of community empowerment.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Zaliha emphasized the need for Labuan Corporation to focus on improving the socioeconomic well-being of the island’s residents by addressing critical issues like food security and the high cost of living. She conveyed these remarks following a meeting with the top management of Labuan Corporation.

Dr Zaliha underscored the importance of governance and integrity as the core principles guiding the operations of local authorities. Despite Labuan’s status as the region with the second-highest GDP per capita in Malaysia, mainly due to the oil and gas and finance industries, the benefits of this prosperity are not reaching the everyday residents, she noted.

She highlighted the necessity of initiatives aimed at reducing reliance on food imports by enhancing local production of vital commodities such as poultry, meat, eggs, and vegetables. This move is intended to improve food self-sufficiency on the island.

Dr Zaliha also pointed out the upcoming Borneo Flora Festival in Labuan, which is expected to create economic opportunities across various sectors including hospitality, transportation, food and beverage, and homestays, thereby ensuring economic benefits extend to grassroots businesses.

In conclusion, Dr Zaliha urged Labuan Corporation to evolve beyond its traditional administrative roles and become a catalyst for inclusive growth. This involves championing food security, maintaining integrity, and leveraging tourism and infrastructure development to ensure the wealth of Labuan benefits all its residents.