Infrastructure and local employment prioritised

17 December 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The State Government has plans to upgrade the public jetty in Sebatik, the deputy Chief minister III and Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Transport, Datuk Ewon Benedick stated in answer to Sebatik Assemblyman. The project is included in the 13th Malaysia Plan, with the aim of providing residents with a safer and more comfortable port facility.

During the First Meeting of the First Session of the Seventeenth State Legislative Assembly, Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Transport, Datuk Ewon Benedick, acknowledged the proposal and assured that the development was being prioritised.

In response to questions raised by Silam Assemblyman, Ewon highlighted the ongoing development at POIC Lahad Datu, which focuses not only on infrastructure but also on local workforce involvement. Currently, 43 companies operate within the zone, providing over 1,500 jobs, predominantly filled by Sabahans. Of these, 1,246 are local residents, including 1,221 from Lahad Datu, with the remainder being Malaysians from other states and expatriates.

The logistics management company POIC Logistics Sdn Bhd employs 96 Sabahans, with 90 of these from Lahad Datu, demonstrating the localisation of employment opportunities at the site. The Minister emphasised that POIC Lahad Datu serves as a vital platform for local job creation and committed to further strengthening these efforts through the establishment of technical training centres or TVET institutions in Lahad Datu. Such centres would tailor technical and skills training to meet industry needs, particularly in logistics, manufacturing, processing, and energy sectors, reducing reliance on foreign workers in the long term.

In addition, SEDCO (Sabah Economic Development Corporation) will continue to play a key role in the state's socio-economic development. The organisation is set to complete four ongoing projects by 2026, including retail outlets in Semporna, Matunggong, Weston, and Beaufort. Two other projects, in Tungku, Lahad Datu, and Pitas, are also nearing completion, expected in 2027. Two new projects in Sook and Kinabatangan are scheduled to commence in 2026.

SEDCO is also actively promoting entrepreneurship through various training programmes, including schemes for graduates and technical entrepreneurs. Plans include capacity-building courses such as Halal and MeSTI certification, MSME empowerment schemes, Halal competency courses, and business skills training. In addition, the organisation is running the Tunas Niaga programme, engaging 40 secondary schools and 1,000 students to foster entrepreneurial values among young people.

Furthermore, SEDCO has been tasked with overseeing the development of the Kudat Blue Economy Industrial Park (TPEBK). The project includes the preparation of a Master Development Plan, with consultants currently being appointed to carry out this task.

The Government’s initiatives aim to strengthen infrastructure, create jobs for local communities, and promote sustainable economic growth across the state.