Sabah: Sabah has recorded approved investments totalling RM10.9 billion for the first quarter (1Q) of this year, representing the third highest in Malaysia after Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, the Sabah State Legislative Assembly was told today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sabah’s Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe stated that the manufacturing sector emerged as the biggest contributor with an investment value of RM7.3 billion. He highlighted that the manufacturing sector investment in Sabah for 1Q of this year was the highest in Malaysia.

Phoong addressed a question from Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Senallang) regarding measures taken to tackle issues deterring investors since 2020. Phoong emphasized that despite facing challenges like global economic uncertainties, geopolitical pressures, and infrastructure requirements, efforts have been made to sustain investor confidence in Sabah.

He mentioned the establishment of the State Manufacturing Investment Task Force to assist foreign and local investors in resolving issues and meeting their requirements. Moreover, resources have been allocated to enhance infrastructure and utilities at industrial parks such as the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park, Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park, and Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) Lahad Datu. This includes a RM40 million allocation for a new distribution substation at SOGIP.

Phoong also noted that Jetama Sdn Bhd is leading an initiative to provide fresh water for industrial use at POIC Lahad Datu. This project uses seawater desalination technology to produce fresh water for factories and industrial operations.