.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
MP: Sandakan risks losing economic spillovers
Published on: Tue, Aug 12, 2025
By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: Vivian also called for the construction of an integrated border checkpoint between Sandakan and Kalimantan to speed up cross-border trade and strengthen the East Coast's role as a key logistics hub within the Bimp-Eaga growth zone. Kuala Lumpur: Sandakan MP Vivian Wong warned that Malaysia risks missing out on economic spillovers from rapid development in Kalimantan and the growth of international shipping routes if action is not taken soon. 'Sandakan's potential is already clear. The government must act now,' she said, when debating the 13th Malaysia Plan in parliament.
Advertisement Vivian also said the development imbalance in Sabah has persisted for too long, despite the East Coast being home to nearly half the state's population. 'Sandakan, as the second-largest city in Sabah, has a unique strategic advantage, it has both an international port and airport, rich natural resources, and is located at the heart of the East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) economic corridor,' she said. She proposed that Sandakan be declared a Special Economic Zone to attract investments in downstream and manufacturing industries, which would in turn create more quality job opportunities for locals. Vivian also called for the construction of an integrated border checkpoint between Sandakan and Kalimantan to speed up cross-border trade and strengthen the East Coast's role as a key logistics hub within the Bimp-Eaga growth zone. 'This could place the East Coast of Sabah as a key development focus in the regional growth map and reinforce Malaysia's position in Asean,' she said. She also highlighted the green and blue economy potential in Sandakan, given its abundant marine resources and reputation as a world-class ecotourism destination. 'Sandakan has the potential to become the country's centre for fisheries, cruise tourism and green trade. But to realise this, infrastructure development must be prioritised.' Among her proposals were the construction of a dedicated tourist terminal to nearby islands such as Pulau Berhala and Pulau Selingan, the opening of direct international flight routes from Sandakan to Hong Kong, Guangzhou or Singapore, and upgrading of the Sandakan Airport. On maritime development, Vivian urged that Sandakan be developed as a 'Makassar Strait Transshipment Hub,' in line with its strategic location along a key shipping route between China and Australia. 'The LKIM fisheries complex must be equipped with proper landing jetties, cold storage facilities, and a stable supply of subsidised diesel. 'In addition, dredging works must be carried out at the Sandakan Port and Berhala Strait to allow large vessels to dock,' she said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
2 hours ago
- Daily Express
Business couple pleads not guilty to RM3.6 million false claim charges
Published on: Thursday, August 14, 2025 Published on: Thu, Aug 14, 2025 By: Cynthia D Baga Text Size: Anita and Ang, both wearing face masks, leaving the court. KOTA KINABALU: A husband-and-wife business duo have claimed trial to charges of abetting a company director in submitting false claims amounting to more than RM3.6 million to the Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR). Anita Mohamed, 54, and Ang Ka Fat @ Kenny, 57, pleaded not guilty to their respective charges when brought before Sessions Court Judge Jason Juga on Thursday. Both face two separate charges each, as well as one joint charge, over the alleged offences. The charges were framed under Section 28(1)(c) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, read together with Section 18 of the same Act, and punishable under Section 24(2). Upon conviction, the provision carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence and a fine of at least five times the value of the false particulars, or RM10,000, whichever is higher. The documents were allegedly submitted to an administrative assistant at the DIDR office between 2022 and 2023. The court set Sept 23 for pre-trial case management and released both on bail, with counsel Azhier Farhan Arisin representing them. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Kulim airport will complement, not compete with Penang, says Kedah councillor
KUALA KETIL: The state government will press for the inclusion of the Kulim International Airport (KXP) project in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), describing it as crucial not only for Kedah, but also for the nation. State Industry and Investment Committee chairman Dr Haim Hilman Abdullah said the state's vision for a dedicated cargo airport was not intended to compete with Penang, but to complement it while positioning Kedah as a hub for northern regional development. "However, the federal government still views this project as if it is solely for Kedah, when in fact, we see it as a catalyst for northern regional development covering Kedah, Perlis, Penang and northern Perak. "This is a large and high-potential region that deserves federal support," he said at a press conference after a town hall with the Kedah State Development Corporation (PKNK) and industrial players here. Also present was PKNK chief executive officer Datuk Isahak Murat. Haim said the state's push for the project was within national interest. "Kedah is not just for Kedah, Kedah is for Malaysia. We hope the federal government can see the strategic position of the state in becoming an industrial development hub supported by infrastructure such as this cargo airport." He said six of the eight requirements for the project had been met, with only two outstanding, namely, obtaining the aerodrome licence and securing the airport's inclusion in the National Aerospace Strategic Plan. The state government, he added, had also submitted other proposals to Putrajaya for consideration in 13MP. "Many projects, whether related to logistics such as roads, airports and ports, or other aspects of economic development in Kedah, need to be prioritised and expedited," he said. In the town hall, Haim said the issues raised by industrial players were matters that could be addressed through the involvement and commitment of the relevant agencies. "This initiative by PKNK is commendable. The most important step after this session is to compile the list of issues and channel them to the relevant agencies. From there, we will obtain feedback on the timeframe for resolving these matters," he added.
Barnama
3 hours ago
- Barnama
Malaysia-led Observer Team Check On Security Along Cambodian Border
The team, led by Malaysian Defence Attaché to Cambodia Col Nazlee Abdul Rahman, conducted a field trip to gauge the latest developments along the border areas that have been a flashpoint recently. PHNOM PENH, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- The Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire monitoring effort is gaining momentum with a seven-nation Interim Observer Team (IOT) visiting border areas today to assess the security situation. Cambodian Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation spokesperson Ministry Chum Sounry urged Malaysia to assist in the monitoring process to prevent any escalation of the conflict. 'Cambodia urges Malaysia, as the current ASEAN Chair, and ceasefire co-facilitators to quickly establish a robust, impartial monitoring mechanism to prevent escalation and protect civilians and soldiers,' he said during a media briefing earlier today. The IOT includes representatives from ASEAN member states - Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam.
