KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is on the right track in becoming an important trade gateway in the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) region.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said the move is made possible with the on-going expansion of the Sepanggar Bay Container Port.
The project, costing RM1.03 billion, was approved by the previous government in 2016.
Ongkili said the existing on-going port services and businesses offered would also help boost the state's economy.
"I am also satisfied with the on-going expansion project under the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA), funded by the Federal Government.
"It is expected to be completed in 2024 which would meet the regional attention given to green and sustainability concerns," he said in a statement after visiting the port.
During the visit, he was briefed by Sabah Port Sdn Bhd (SPSB) managing director Datuk Ng Kiat Min and SEDIA vice president Dr Chong Vun Leong, on its current operations and status.
SPSB has spent close to RM1 billion to upgrade port facilities and equipment since the takeover.
It has also done an impressive job as an industry leader, creating more economic growth and job opportunities for locals in Sabah.
Ongkili affirms commitment to support Sabah Ports initiative in positioning the Sepanggar Bay Container Port as a regional transhipment hub to serve as the main gateway on the larger BIMP-EAGA, Intra Asia as well as fast-growing markets in China, Korea and Japan.
Comments
Post a Comment