KOTA KINABALU: Businesses, especially in the service and manufacturing sectors, have experienced a huge drop in demand over the last few years as a result of excessive and unhealthy competition, according to Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) deputy president Dato’ Sri Dr Ling Hie Sing.
Despite news reports on improvement in the latest economic indicators, he said businesses had yet to see and feel any improvement in Sabah market sentiments.
Ling, who is also the honorary president of Foochow Association of Kota Kinabalu and Sabah Printers’ Association, said the service and manufacturing sectors have been facing huge challenges in the past few years.
“We generally feel a huge drop in business over the years due to lack of demand, rising cost of doing business, as well as excessive and unhealthy competition for survival not only from local suppliers but also from our West Malaysian counterparts,” he said.
For example, Ling said his printing business had dropped between 20 to 30 per cent in revenue since last year.
“I feel that many in the business community are fighting for survival,” he said in his Chinese New Year message.
That said, he believed that the election year would boost the market and create business opportunities.
He hoped that the business community would seize the opportunities to recoup some of their losses over the years.
On another note, Ling expressed his concern over the strong verbal or written ‘attacks’ on political parties, with some being very personal.
He hoped that all political parties would refrain from using words that could divide the people or potentially create distrust and hatred in our harmonious society.
He also hoped that the information circulated on social media would carry credibility and facts.
Ling as voters needed fair views and opinions from both sides in order to make their own choice on the candidates.
“We would like to see who is a better choice to provide for our people, make our country better, and foster a better and fairer environment for businesses to compete and progress.”
He also stressed the importance for people to be able to provide for themselves.
He said good policies or economic indicators would pale in comparison to day to day living if people had difficulties providing for themselves and families.
He opined that the people should not depend on government assistance or funds.
“The government should and must provide an environment where people could earn their own living.”
On a lighter note, Ling hoped that the Year of the Dog would bring new opportunities and prosperity.