KOTA KINABALU: Sabah assures that it will not compromise on the environment in its pursuit of industrialisation.
State Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said this in response to the endorsement and suggestions made by state environmental expert Dr Raymond Alfred regarding the billion-ringgit sand mining operation in Sikuati, Kudat.
Raymond stated that the hundreds of hectares of sand mining not only contributed significantly to Sabah's economy, but have also fulfilled three Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).
While acknowledging the importance of industrial development, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) expert suggested a few additional procedures to enhance transparency in international projects in Sabah.
"Although my ministry oversees industrial development, there is no overlap or conflict with environmental protection.
"I believe there must be a balance between industrial development and the conservation and preservation of the environment.
"If he (Raymond) proposes to strengthen or add additional measures for further protection, I have no objection. I believe the Environmental (Protection) Department can look into it," he told the media after delivering the ministry's 2024 direction and policy to its staff at a hotel here last night.
Phoong added that out of the 80 approvals granted by the ministry, whether for development and building plans or training licencing, the longest and most challenging procedure to obtain is the EIA approval.
He also said that existing laws, applicable to all types of companies and investments, could protect Sabah in all aspects, including the environment.
Earlier, Phoong stated that for this year, the ministry aspires to empower the Manufacturing Investment Task Force and organise continuous investment missions abroad to promote investment opportunities in Sabah to foreign investors.
The ministry is also eyeing potential key industries such as technology-based green products, downstream industries of palm biomass and mineral resource industries, low-energy intensity industries, food processing and manufacturing, medical devices, among others.
Phoong also mentioned that the ministry aims to provide a Master Development Plan for two new Industrial Parks in Kota Belud and Kimanis, accelerate the development of the Free Zone in Lahad Datu Industrial Park, ensure the success of Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd's investment in the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park and implement industrial water supply in industrial parks.