KCCI Positioned as Key Partner in Sabah First Economic Drive: Ewon

6 December 2025

PENAMPANG : The Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) is expected to play a central role in advancing State Government’s Sabah First agenda, following renewed commitments laid out by Datuk Ewon Benedick, the Minister of Industry Entrepreneur and Transport.

Speaking at the installation and oath-taking ceremony of the KCCI Supreme Council, Ewon, who is also Deputy Minister III emphasised that Sabah’s economic direction is entering “a new chapter”, with local businesses and communities placed firmly at the forefront of development.

“We are now building new history. The Sabah Unity Government has been formed and I have been given the mandate to lead the Ministry of Industriy, Entrepreneur and Transport. My commitment is clear — we will implement the Sabah First policy across all departments and agencies under this Ministry,” he said.

Ewon, who previously served at the federal Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, said his earlier efforts to strengthen Sabah and Sarawak’s representation in national agencies had laid the groundwork for a more assertive state-based policy direction.

“For almost three years at the federal level, I ensured that Sabah and Sarawak had a stronger voice in policy-making and agency-level discussions. That chapter is now history. Today, our focus is on ensuring Sabahans benefit directly from industries operating within our state,” he said.

He noted that several Sabah leaders, including those from KCCI had been appointed to national boards such as SMECorp Malaysia, among others, a reflection of growing confidence in Sabah’s professional and entrepreneurial capacity.

Ewon revealed that his early visits to major industrial development zones, including KKIP and POIC, were aimed at auditing the presence of external companies and understanding their contributions to Sabah’s fiscal ecosystem.

“I found that many companies from Kuala Lumpur and outside Sabah are operating in KKIP and POIC. One of the questions I asked was whether these agencies had records of corporate tax contributions from these companies. This is fundamental to our ongoing struggle for Sabah’s rights, particularly the 40% entitlement owed to the state,” he said.

He stressed that ensuring transparency in corporate taxation is essential if Sabah is to reclaim its fair economic share and fund long-term development.

Under the Sabah First agenda, Ewon said his Ministry aims to expand opportunities for Sabahans to earn higher and more sustainable incomes, whether as entrepreneurs, SMEs or employees within locally rooted industries.

“My vision is to see more Sabahans generating income, whether as business owners or as employees in Sabah-based companies. For far too long Sabah has been labelled as a poor state with many impoverished districts. This must change, and it will only change if we create income opportunities for our own people,” he said.

He outlined three core priorities for the Ministry, each designed to strengthen the economic ecosystem and support local businesses, including KCCI members.

He said the focus includes enhancing the investment, business and entrepreneurship environment; helping local MSMEs scale up by improving product standards and service quality; and ensuring greater Sabah participation in industrial growth.

“The existing ecosystem is good, but there is room for improvement. With the transport portfolio now under this Ministry, including Sabah Ports Authority, the Railway Department and related agencies, we can streamline logistics and support industrial expansion more effectively,” he said. He added that MSMEs must remain the backbone of Sabah’s economy.

Ewon reaffirmed that KCCI’s long-standing advocacy for indigenous entrepreneurs places the chamber in a strategic position to support the Sabah First agenda.

“KCCI has always been an important voice for our community. As we move forward with Sabah First, KCCI will be one of our key partners in ensuring local businesses grow and local talent thrives,” he said.