MINDET and KPDN Unite to Safeguard Sabah's Intellectual Property

24 April 2026

PUTRAJAYA: The Sabah Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) has formalised a partnership with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to bolster intellectual property (IP) protection for entrepreneurs and communities across Sabah.

Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, who also serves as Deputy Chief Minister, stressed that embedding IP registration in industrial and entrepreneurial development, including community social enterprises, is essential.

“This collaboration begins with MINDET officers and agencies attending specialised training at the MyIPO Intellectual Property Academy, followed by awareness programmes for Sabah entrepreneurs on IP protection,” he said.

“The courses will deepen their understanding of Perbadanan Harta Intelek Malaysia (MyIPO), enabling accurate advice on IP registration and safeguards. I will also review proposals for a dedicated IP unit within MINDET to coordinate related initiatives.”

Ewon spoke after meeting KPDN Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali in Putrajaya today. He also visited MyIPO's Intellectual Property Academy, discussing tailored training for MINDET staff with Director-General Yusnieza Syarmila Yusoff.

He emphasised that every Sabah entrepreneurial product, whether in industry, innovation, food and beverage (F&B), or social enterprises, must include IP registration.

“This demands targeted training for ministry and agency officers, plus awareness drives for entrepreneurs and communities. I appreciate MyIPO's commitment to this partnership.”

MyIPO briefings revealed 3,941 IP applications received in Sabah from 2021 to March 2026, with 3,349 registrations recorded by December 2025.

Currently, 31 Geographical Indications (GIs) are registered, including Amplang, Tenom Coffee, Papar Belacan, Sabah Tea, Sandakan Piyutu, and Kota Belud Liking. Six are inactive due to non-renewal.