Sabah to ensure small businesses thrive like before pandemic, says DCM

 By Olivia Miwil - December 28, 2021 @ 7:29pm


Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the past two years have been difficult for small businesses with many forced to close shop due to continuous lockdowns to curb the spread of the coronavirus. - BERNAMA pic.

TAMBUNAN: The state government has assured that hawkers and traders will be allowed to thrive as they did before the Covid-19 struck the nation.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the past two years have been difficult for small businesses with many forced to close shop due to continuous lockdowns to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

"Now that the economic sector has been allowed to reopen, we can all breathe a sigh of relief.

"Thus, today's event aims to kick start the commercial activity in this district and help our local businesses in the best way possible," he said at the opening of the Tambunan Tamu Besar event, here.

Jeffrey, who is also the Keningau member of parliament and Tambunan assemblyman, said the event is an initiative by the government to test the ground and slowly ease the public back into their normal lives, albeit with the SOPs remaining in force.

"We want to get our domestic economy back in full swing but we must keep in mind that the pandemic isn't over yet and public health must remain our top priority at all times," he said.

On another note, Kitingan said his office is dedicated to making Tambunan an important hub for agriculture and tourism in Sabah as the district has fertile land and unique natural resources.

"However, we have seen an increase in the number of livestock roaming public roads, and some cases, resulting in accidents and loss of life and property.

"Therefore, I fully support the decision by the local authority to catch this livestock that was left to roam by their owners on the road as a lesson to better take care of their properties," he said.

He said the measure will keep Tambunan clean as the district prepares to welcome tourists again next year.

Several activities were held during the event including choir performances, singing competitions, magic shows, puppet shows, remote control car racing and others.




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