Bongawan: The development of Bongawan as one of Sabah’s oil and gas (O and G) hubs will form a key strategic pillar in the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) manifesto for the area if given the mandate following the 17th Sabah State Election. GRS candidate for the Bongawan seat, Tan Sri Anifah Aman, said Bongawan has significant potential, noting that the Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal (SOGT) was also established in the area through his efforts during his tenure as the Kimanis MP.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anifah, who is also Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS) president, said this initiative could be realised thanks to his experience and strong relationships with relevant stakeholders, including international partners, during his previous role as Foreign Minister. ‘This is not merely a political proposal but a development agenda that I am confident can be implemented based on my experience and the potential Bongawan possesses. We successfully established the SOGT in Kimanis, which has become a cornerstone of Sabah’s energy industry, and if that can be achieved, there is no reason why Bongawan cannot replicate the same success,’ he said in a statement today.
He said the establishment of an oil and gas hub in Bongawan is expected to bring numerous benefits to the local community, including rapid economic growth. The hub is also expected to increase employment opportunities for the local population, particularly youths, across direct and indirect roles, including support services within the industry, he added.
Anifah said the initiative would also boost Bongawan’s economic development and modernise infrastructure, including roads, small ports/logistics, water supply, electricity, and telecommunications, to support the industrial hub. ‘Many other benefits will arise from this effort, positioning Bongawan as a new focal point in Sabah and potentially making it a strategic zone similar to Bintulu in Sarawak and Kemaman in Terengganu,’ he said.
According to Anifah, this would create a new identity for Bongawan as Sabah’s energy industry centre, gaining recognition at the national level. In this regard, he called on the people of Bongawan to give their support and mandate in the upcoming state election to ensure the realisation of this vision for the greater good.
‘Allow me to address initiatives that could not be fully implemented previously, as I do not want to leave an unfinished legacy and wish to complete what remains,’ he said. Anifah will face a nine-cornered contest for the Bongawan seat, including Deputy Foreign Minister and Kimanis MP Datuk Mohamad Alamin from Barisan Nasional (BN), as well as the incumbent from Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan), Dr Daud Yusof. Polling has been scheduled for Nov 29, with early voting on Nov 25.