Musa flanked by MICCI Sabah branch chairman Datuk A Arulpragasam (right) being greeted by MICCI committee members at the luncheon, yesterday.
KOTA KINABALU: A single and uniformed costing system for the whole country may be considered as a way to overcome the much discussed cabotage policy, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
He said the cabotage policy issue had been raised and discussed repeatedly, and that the business community was looking at it from various perspectives.
“I agree that there are some sections that need to be improved so as to help our business community in Sabah.
“In regard to a single and uniformed costing system for the whole country, this can be considered.
“But, it cannot be done overnight. There are a number of things that need to be looked into before this can take effect, especially one closely related to distance,” he said during the Malaysia International Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Sabah Branch annual luncheon, here, yesterday.
He said being open to discussions has always been the practice of the Barisan Nasional, as it is ever willing to listen to the grouses, feedback and ideas from the business community and industry players.
“The BN government is pro-business and encourages businesses and investments to flourish. To me, if businesses do well, the state will prosper and everyone will be happy.
“However, for this to happen, there must be political and economic stability in the country, and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has been working hard to ensure that such stability and unity in the country prevail,” he said.
Calling for a continued cooperation from the business community and industry players, he said only through working together could they take Sabah and its economy to greater heights.
Speaking at the Malaysia International Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Sabah Branch annual luncheon, here, yesterday, Musa disclosed that efforts had been taken to overcome issues affecting the business community in the state, such as issues on the cabotage policy, minimum wages, and the oil and gas.
“I take note of worries raised by our business community with regard to minimum wage. Some quarters argue that due to the high cost of living in Sabah, employees here should get a higher minimum wage compared to workers in the peninsula. I believe the minimum wage policy should by right not only protect employees but also employers
“Rest assured, the government values the contribution of the business community to the economy and will not purposely create a situation that will cause disadvantage to businesses.
“The implementation of the minimum wage policy should be seen as the key that could motivate employees to improve their productivity and strengthen businesses. Let us all see it from this perspective.
“On providing ample time for adjustment, we will have to discuss this matter further and we will need the input from all parties on how best to address this matter. I am sure we can work out a solution that works for everyone, he said.
Touching on the oil and gas industry, he said the state government was continuously holding discussions with Petronas to ensure equal opportunities for local contractors.
He said Petronas had responded well and had seen positive developments in relation to the involvement of local contractors.
“However, we will continue to discuss with Petronas to consider the participation of more local players. On ensuring sufficient gas supply for our own development, the state government will ensure this is done and we are confident that Petronas will support us in this matter. Our doors are always open should there be more issues or matters that you would like to raise,” said Musa.