Kiulu MP slams Miti for ignoring Sabah industrial issues
Published on: Thu, Aug 21, 2025 Text Size: Madius emphasized that Sabah has enormous potential to attract local and foreign investment through key industrial zones, including Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP), Sipitang Oil & Gas Industrial Park (Sogip) and Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (Poic) Lahad Datu. Kuala Lumpur: Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau has expressed deep disappointment over what he described as a lack of seriousness and commitment from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) in addressing key industrial issues raised during the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) debate. In a statement issued Tuesday, Madius said he had raised multiple concerns on Sabah's industrial development and competitiveness during the August 6 debate, but none were acknowledged or responded to by Miti Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz during his winding-up speech.
Advertisement 'The manufacturing and industrial sector is crucial to Malaysia's goal of becoming the 30th largest economy. Yet Miti officers showed little interest—even in listening—let alone responding to my points,' said the Upko Honorary President. Tengku Zafrul, during the session, claimed no such issues were raised—prompting an immediate rebuttal from Madius, who insisted that his points were clearly mentioned in his speech. The moment saw Zafrul looking back at his officers and later promising a written reply. Madius emphasized that Sabah has enormous potential to attract local and foreign investment through key industrial zones, including Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP), Sipitang Oil & Gas Industrial Park (Sogip) and Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (Poic) Lahad Datu. He noted that progress in these areas depends on Federal Government support, particularly from Miti, in delivering basic infrastructure. He highlighted that POIC Lahad Datu's application for Free Trade Zone (FTZ) status — submitted in June 2022 — was approved in principle by the Finance Ministry in March 2023, but remains delayed due to budget constraints. 'Miti must take a more proactive role. Poic Lahad Datu is still waiting on loans for basic upgrades like fencing and roads. These delays undermine Sabah's potential.' Madius also revealed that an application to upgrade the Lahad Datu Airport remains stuck, awaiting approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (Caam). He warned that without an international-standard airport, the FTZ's development will stall, jeopardising Sabah's chance to emerge as a regional industrial hub. * 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.
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