KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah state government is looking for ingenious ideas to overcome logistical and other related issues to attract more foreign vessels into Sabah, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
Speaking to the press after the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House here yesterday, Pairin, who is also Infrastructure Development Minister, said foreign vessels were allowed to come into Sabah directly but were deterred to do so because they would not be able to get the right volume of cargo out of the state.
So this is the logistical issue that we all need to come up with, you know, ingenious proposal. If you have any idea tell me, he told the press.
Up to this point in time, no foreign ship wants to come over because of the imbalance of trade. In other words they come here, they drop the goods but there is nothing for them to bring back out. This is the area that is being explored, that is being studied with the objective of how to look for mechanism and encourage more ship wants to come to Sabah.
So it could be a matter of logistical study and mutual agreement for mutual benefit for long-term purpose. Who knows the shippers from foreign ships may even want to invest here towards the end. So a lot of things need to be explored, he added.
Pairin also told reporters that the earthquake tragedy that hit Sabah recently should be a reminder to the nation to strengthen unity in good and hardship times.
He said this included facing various slanders and propagandas hurled by certain parties against the government that could affect the nation.
“As responsible people, we should give our focus to matters that can threaten our country’s security and stability.
“In this context, it means we cannot simply be attracted to the propoganda of irresponsible individuals who do not want the country’s stability to prevail while we are seriously ensuring the country is peaceful and prosperous,” said Pairin.
He added the earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale in Mount Kinabalu last June 5 that claimed 18 lives proved that the nation was capable of being united and sympathetic towards those affected by the tragedy.