KOTA KINABALU: The state government will ensure there is sufficient infrastructure at the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) in Lahad Datu and Sandakan to develop downstream industries.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Madius Tangau said this would reduce business costs and attract more investors to both areas.
He was responding to a question from Datuk James Ratib (Independent-Sugut) on efforts to maximise the POIC’s potential.
He said the state government would also allow Lahad Datu POIC port to operate round the clock through “legal landing place’” status, while the Sandakan facility would add palm oil product bulking capacities to accomodate demand.
“Promotional steps will be intensified to attract investors via trade missions and one-on- one discussions with potential investors,” he said.
Madius who is also Sabah Trade and Industry Minister, said the government would also come up with strategies to optimise Lahad Datu POIC‘s strategic location as a logistics hub in the Asean region.
Responding to a question from Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (PBS - Kiulu), Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said the state government had no plans to increase allocations to religious bodies, mission schools and Chinese schools as the funding was meant to ease their burden and not to bear the expenses fully.
“We have no plans as of now (to increase allocation) but will consider it in future based on our financial standing.”
Shafie said Kapayan assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang had been tasked to look into religious affairs to ensure that harmony was mantained.