Great investment potential in Sabah – Raymond

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KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has great resources and potentials that can lure more investors to do business in the state, said Industrial Development Minister Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah.

He said these investors’ operations here would eventually have spillover activities to benefit others, particularly the small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“When we talk about big investments, the SMEs’ participation is mainly to provide the support to the industry operating in the state. We must not forget that over 50 per cent of the nation’s revenue comes from SMEs,” he said when launching Naza Quest Sdn Bhd’s Chevrolet 3S (sales, services, spare parts) Centre at Alam Mesra, near here, yesterday.

He said the investors’ presence in the local market would also create positive impact on the state, as well as the people.

“When they build factories, they would also improve the road conditions, or other kinds of infrastructure development.

“Take Petronas for instance, when they launched the Sabah Ammonia Urea plant in Sipitang, the company built additional power plant to support their operations, which also benefit the people in the area.

“Apart from roads, there is also great potential for pharmacies; we need pharmacists and doctors, not just engineers, as the demand for healthcare may increase. Food is also another sector that should be taken into account, and we are not talking about opening five-star restaurants, but the micro ones such as mamak stalls or kuih cincin operators.

“That is why I would encourage investors to come to Sabah, just so that the people would have their fair share of benefits from their development,” he said.

He was also happy to note when OBM Automart (M) Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Oi Thiam Beng expressed his wish to invest in the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP).

“I have always wanted to start a motor hub in KKIP. I do not want it to be scattered. And while we are all ready to provide the space, it is my hope that interested investors and players do business in KKIP; they are very much welcome,” he said.