MINDET to Develop Financing Support Ecosystem for SME Entrepreneurs in Industrial Parks, Says Ewon

14 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) will develop a financing support ecosystem to improve access to funding for small and medium enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs operating in industrial parks across Sabah.

Its Minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said the ministry is formulating initiatives to facilitate financing access for SME companies seeking to operate in industrial areas, whether at Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) or Sabah Agro Industrial Park Sdn Bhd (SAIP).

“One of the key challenges faced by entrepreneurs is the collateral requirements imposed by financial institutions, particularly when land and buildings within industrial parks cannot be used as security.

“At the ministry level, I have held preliminary discussions and received support from banking institutions and several related agencies to explore ways of assisting companies in Sabah to obtain financing.

“We hope this collaboration can be finalised in the near future,” he said when officiating at the Chinese New Year celebration organised by the Penampang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), at Dewan Hakka, Likas, here yesterday.

The event was attended by leaders and members of Chinese chambers of commerce and business associations from across the state.

In a related development, Ewon said the ministry will commence a study on the Sabah Transport Master Plan this year, covering land, sea and air transport, including logistics requirements to support the state’s enterprise and industrial ecosystem.

He added that MINDET will continue efforts to promote Sabah as an investment destination, including hosting the inaugural Sabah Oil & Gas Services Conference & Exhibition in June 2026, as well as opening two new industrial parks in Kudat and Kota Belud.

Addressing congestion issues at Sepanggar Port , he said the ministry is implementing eight interim action plans agreed upon by the State Cabinet following a recent presentation.

“After receiving complaints and proposals from various parties, I made this issue my number one priority.

“I am confident that the implementation of these interim measures will streamline port operations, including cargo clearance processes,” he said, adding that a similar leadership approach will be adopted to resolve issues at Sandakan and Tawau ports.

As Member of Parliament for Penampang, Ewon reaffirmed his commitment to implementing the Penampang Development Master Plan 2024–2035, including working closely with PCCI and 28 Chinese community associations in the constituency.

“I am confident that this Chinese New Year celebration will spur economic progress, enterprise development and overall well-being for traders and the people as a whole,” he said.