Transforming Sabah’s Economic Landscape through the SabahFirst agenda

4 December 2025

PENAMPANG: Datuk Ewon Benedick, the newly appointed Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Transportation, shared his vision for transforming Sabah’s economic landscape through the “Sabah First” agenda.

Speaking to reporters after launching the grand opening of MyRoof Hub here today, he emphasised the importance of fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, improving service quality, and strengthening governance, while outlining a comprehensive plan to uplift the state’s socio-economic status.

“Within my ministry, I have set the SabahFirst agenda,” Ewon, explaining that his primary goal is to develop an entrepreneurial ecosystem that is investor-friendly, entrepreneur-friendly, and trader-friendly. “Including micro-entrepreneurs in Sabah because I believe with a better ecosystem, we can provide facilities to the stakeholders here,” he added.

He stressed the importance of enhancing the quality of products and services produced by local entrepreneurs, enabling them to compete effectively with entrepreneurs outside Sabah. “I want to see the quality of products and services of entrepreneurs in Sabah developed,” he emphasised.

Moreover, the Minister underscored that improving the quality of services from his ministry and its agencies is crucial, as entrepreneurship issues require strong leadership within the government.

Central to the Sabah First agenda is empowering Sabahans to earn a livelihood, either as entrepreneurs or as employees working for local businesses. “The Ministry aims to develop more Sabahans with income,” he stressed, “because I do not want Sabah to still be considered the poorest state in the coming years.” The vision is to create a more prosperous Sabah within the next five years, contingent on the mandate to lead the ministry.

Addressing the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, the Minister highlighted the importance of logistics, ports, and transportation infrastructure. “Entrepreneurship without considering logistics, especially ports, is very challenging,” he noted. Placing transportation under the same ministry allows for better focus and coordination. “It makes it easier to address issues faced by entrepreneurs, especially investors who need to export products or bring raw materials into Sabah,” he explained.

He appreciated the support from the Sabah Chief Minister in consolidating transportation portfolios, which now include ports, wharf departments, and vehicle licensing authorities. “This represents a significant shift in investment and entrepreneurial activities in Sabah,” he said. Additionally, he clarified that responsibilities related to public transportation and federal agencies like the Road Transport Department and vehicle licensing boards would be managed within his portfolio, ensuring a cohesive approach.

Ewon emphasised the importance of teamwork, both within the ministry and across political lines. “I want to develop a Sabah First team within this ministry,” he stated. He also addressed misconceptions about the government’s policies, specifically clarifying that the government’s approach is aimed at pursuing Sabah’s rights and privileges within the existing framework.

He highlighted the government’s composition, noting that most parties are local, with only two ministers from non-local parties, giving Sabah a majority in decision-making. “That is very important,” he stressed. The Minister expressed confidence in working closely with the Chief Minister to realize key objectives, including negotiations with the federal government over the 40% equity rights initiative.

Reflecting on his experience in federal politics, Ewon affirmed his commitment to defending Sabah’s rights. “It is our responsibility, enshrined in the constitution,” he stated.

He reaffirmed the importance of unity among Sabah leaders and the collective responsibility to serve the people’s interests. “It should be the responsibility of all Sabahans,” he remarked

Ewon highlighted the importance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Sabah’s development. “You need to highlight SME development for now,” he said, emphasising the need to focus on strategic planning to ensure sustainable growth.