Kota kinabalu: Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick has urged companies in the state to strengthen their compliance with international standards. Ewon, who is also the State Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, emphasized the importance of aligning with international standards to boost market penetration.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, data from the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Singapore revealed that only 261 out of 12,742 Malaysian enterprises registered with the agency were from Sabah as of December last year. Ewon highlighted that achieving compliance with standards such as halal and MeSTI (food safety) certifications, along with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, would better prepare local companies for entry into overseas markets.

Ewon assured continued support from the ministry for local entrepreneurs and companies through suitable policies and initiatives, ensuring the facilitation of their products and services in international markets. The ministry's priorities include enhancing the standards and quality of products and services offered by Sabah entrepreneurs.

At the Sabah Industrial Excellence Awards (AKIS) presentation ceremony, six local companies were recognized for their achievements: Brown Eyes Production, The Best Solution Management Sdn Bhd, Twinine Sdn Bhd, Kedai Emas Osheen Jaya Sdn Bhd, Onaki Sdn Bhd, and Jetsin Sdn Bhd. Ewon, who is also the Penampang Member of Parliament, underscored the significance of AKIS as a platform to acknowledge outstanding local companies and inspire other industry players in Sabah.

He stated that AKIS not only celebrates the excellence of local companies and entrepreneurs but also promotes healthy competition, boosts investor confidence, and highlights effective management and operational practices.