Latest news with #IndustrialDevelopmentandEntrepreneurship
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Borneo Post
KK's Stage Bus Service Transformation program to be launched soon
Phoong KOTA KINABALU (Aug 9): The Ministry of Transport has officially approved the Kota Kinabalu Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) program, marking a pivotal moment in the city's public transport development. This initiative aims to introduce a modern, air-conditioned and efficient bus service to Kota Kinabalu, significantly improving the mobility and convenience of residents and visitors alike. Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe expressed enthusiasm on the program's impact, emphasizing that this is a much-needed step towards modernizing public transport in Kota Kinabalu. He highlighted the importance of providing a reliable, safe and comfortable bus service to ease traffic congestion and promote a more sustainable urban environment. 'The launch of the SBST in Kota Kinabalu is a momentous occasion for the city. We are responding to the growing demand for better transportation options, and this program will deliver exactly that,' said Phoong. Earlier this year, the Chief Minister of Sabah entrusted Phoong as the Coordinating Minister for Public Transport in Kota Kinabalu, with the crucial task of aligning efforts across various ministries and agencies to make the modern bus system a reality. As part of this effort, Phoong has been working closely with Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah, Sabah Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board chairperson Vivian Wong, and several local agencies including DBKK, JPJ, LPKP, to ensure the successful refurbishment of bus stop infrastructure, particularly in high-traffic areas like the airport and hospitals. The new bus system will feature eight main routes, covering key locations such as the city centre, airport, Luyang, Likas, Tanjung Aru and Putatan, with a total of 155 bus stops. KK Sentral will serve as the main hub for the system. The modern system will include an electronic ticketing system for easy fare payment, onboard GPS tracking for real-time location updates, fixed routes and schedules to ensure punctuality, and a reliable service aimed at meeting the needs of daily commuters. One of the routes will connect KK Sentral to vital areas including Karamunsing, High Court, Luyang New Wong Kwok, Foh Sang, Damai, Sabah Tshung Tsin Secondary School, Likas Sports Complex, SICC, and the city centre, forming a convenient loop for passengers. Following the successful launch in Kota Kinabalu, the Ministry of Transport plans to expand the SBST program to other areas in Sabah, including Sandakan and Tawau, in the next phase of development. 'This is just the beginning,' said Phoong. 'We have a clear vision to enhance public transport across the state, and I am confident that the SBST program will contribute significantly to improving urban living and transport efficiency.' The first route is expected to be rolled out soon, with the full implementation of all routes set for completion by next year.
Borneo Post
05-08-2025
- Borneo Post
Mineral licence corruption cases to be mentioned Sept 23
Yusof (left) and Andi at the court on Tuesday. KOTA KINABALU (Aug 5): The corruption cases involving two Sabah assemblymen and a businessman over mineral prospecting licences will be mentioned again at the Sessions Court here on September 23. Judge Jason Juga fixed the date following a request by the prosecution during proceedings on Tuesday. The accused are Tanjung Batu assemblyman Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy, Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof @ Josree Yacob and businessman Datuk Tei Jiann Cheing. The prosecution informed the court that several documents had already been served to the defence under Section 51A of the Criminal Procedure Code, but requested a further pre-trial case management date to serve additional materials including forensic reports, telecommunications data and Immigration Department verification. All three individuals had pleaded not guilty to their respective charges on June 30. Andi and Yusof are accused of receiving bribes from Tei in connection with separate applications for mineral prospecting licences. Meanwhile, Tei faces two counts of offering bribes to the assemblymen. Andi, 44, who is also Sabah's Assistant Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, is alleged to have accepted RM150,000 from Tei at his residence in Jalan Pantai, Sembulan, on May 12, 2024, as an inducement to facilitate the processing of Sinaran Hayat Sdn Bhd's licence application. Yusof, 69, is accused of accepting RM200,000 from Tei at a hotel in Kota Kinabalu on March 6, 2024. The money was allegedly for facilitating Nusa Kini Sdn Bhd's licence application. The alleged offences were under Section 16(a)(A) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 while Tei, 37, from Selangor, was charged under Section 16(b)(A) of the same act. All the offences are punishable under Section 24(1) of the same Act, which provides for a jail term of up to 20 years and a fine of at least five times the bribe amount or RM10,000, whichever is higher, upon conviction. Andi and Yusof were present in court while Tei attended the proceedings virtually via Zoom. The court had extended the trio's bails, pending disposal of their cases. Counsel Datuk Ram Singh, Rizwandean Bukhary M. Borhan, Datin Jaharah Patimbangi, Elhanan James, Shahlan Jufri, Mohd Luqman Syazwan Zabidi Md Zain, Kamarudin Mohmad Chinki and Prem Elmer Ganasan represented Andi. The same legal team, except Jaharah, represented Yusof while Tei was represented by counsel Edward Paul, Batholomew Jingulam and Jul Hamri Jumhani.
Daily Express
05-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sept 23 mention for Sabah Mineral Licence graft cases
Published on: Tuesday, August 05, 2025 Published on: Tue, Aug 05, 2025 By: Cynthia D Baga Text Size: Andi and Dr Yusof at the court compound on Tuesday. - Cynthia D Baga/Daily Express KOTA KINABALU: The Corruption Special Court set Sept 23 this year for further mention on the cases involving Assemblymen Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy, Datuk Yusof Yacob and a businessman charged with corruption over the mineral exploration licences in Sabah. Sessions Court Judge Jason Juga fixed the date for Andi, 44, who is the Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Assistant Minister, and Sindumin Assemblyman Dr Yusof, 69, bussinessman Datuk Tei Jeinn Cheing, 37, when their cases were brought for mention on Tuesday. Tei was present via Zoom. During the proceedings, the prosecution had served several documents but asked for further pre-trial case management as there are some additional documents to be prepared. Their bail had been extended. * 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
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Daily Express
02-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah's focus is now on downstream
Published on: Saturday, August 02, 2025 Published on: Sat, Aug 02, 2025 By: Wu Vui Tek Text Size: Hajiji reiterated that Sabah is now actively promoting the Blue Economy, exploring marine harvests, ocean-based renewable energy sources such as the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) system and marine biotechnology. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah's focus is now shifting towards downstream processing and value-added industries. This includes the commercial collaboration agreement (CCA) - which gives Sabah greater participation and a greater share in the oil and gas sector - with Petronas, as well as the planned industrial parks in Kota Belud, Beaufort, and Kudat. Agriculture remains a cornerstone with Sabah expanding paddy cultivation, introducing crop takaful schemes, and focusing on high-value crops, such as MD2 pineapples. 'Our new Rural Agricultural Economic Revolution (RAER) plan (2025-2030), with an initial RM10 million allocation, is specifically designed to uplift our rural economies, diversify income sources, and reduce unemployment through agri-sector opportunities,' Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said in a speech, read out by Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe at the Malaysia Co-Investment Fund (MyCIF) Nationwide Roadshow, recently. Hajiji reiterated that Sabah is now actively promoting the Blue Economy, exploring marine harvests, ocean-based renewable energy sources such as the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) system and marine biotechnology. Furthermore, he said there is immense potential in green technology and the digital economy, attracting significant investments like the RM31 billion Esteel Enterprise Sabah project. 'Despite this impressive trajectory, we recognise that most micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) still face persistent challenges in accessing the capital needed to innovate, expand, and fully capitalise on these opportunities. 'Traditional financing models, while vital, sometimes present hurdles such as collateral requirements, lengthy processes or a limited understanding of niche, innovative ventures unique to Sabah's landscape,' he said. Enhancing access to alternative financing to overcome these limitations includes bridging financing gaps by providing MSMEs with access to accessible funding and financing as alternatives to traditional bank loans, and this includes encouraging local entrepreneurs to leverage MyCIF's matching investment model to scale their businesses. 'With readily available financing, this offers a lifeline to businesses in remote areas, or those in specialised sectors like eco-tourism and small-scale sustainable agriculture, who often find it difficult to secure traditional loans,' he added. Hajiji said that alternative finance would also make it ideal for Sabah's young, innovative entrepreneurs in the digital and creative spaces, who need responsive funding to bring their ideas to fruition, aligning with the State Government's diversification goals. 'We see a new generation of Sabah entrepreneurs, especially in the digital and creative spaces, who need agile and responsive funding. Crucially, these platforms allow individual Sabahans and local investors to directly support Sabah businesses. 'Strengthening access to alternative financing can unlock economic value across the supply chain from food security to eco-tourism,' he said. The MyCIF is a critical national initiative to regulate alternative finance platforms, according to Hajiji. 'A commitment to de-risking and incentivising private investment in our businesses. It means that when investors invest in Sabah businesses through the ECF and P2P, MyCIF co-invests in these businesses as well. 'Amplifying the impact and making businesses reach their target financing faster. This initiative exemplifies the strong collaboration between the State Government and federal agencies, such as the Securities Commission. He urged every business owner, aspiring entrepreneur and every investor in Sabah to learn about these alternative financial avenues and together, build an ecosystem where every Sabahan entrepreneur has the opportunity to thrive. 'They are not just about funding; they are about fostering community, empowering local talent, and driving our collective prosperity. Let us build a resilient and thriving Sabah,' he said. Also present was SC Executive Director for Digital Strategy and Innovation Dr Wong Huei Ching. Sabah registered total economic output of RM84.3 billion in 2024, a record high, continuing a strong upward trend since 2021. 'Total trade value has also surpassed RM100 billion for three consecutive years, with a peak of RM118 billion in 2022, a testament to our growing global connections.' 'Sabah's economic transformation has been remarkable. From an economy rooted in primary sectors, we've grown into a multi-faceted powerhouse. Sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and services are our present and future. 'As we align ourselves with Malaysia's broader economic objectives, our commitment to growth has remained unwavering and this has been reflected in our five-year Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap we crafted in 2021, resting on three foundational pillars of agriculture, industry and tourism.' * 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
Daily Express
24-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
China's Guizhou eyes strategic ties with Sabah
Published on: Thursday, July 24, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 24, 2025 Text Size: Liew (first right) in discussion with Liu Baochang and Datuk Frankie Liew. Kota Kinabalu: A delegation from the Guizhou Provincial Foreign Affairs Office visited Sabah on Tuesday with the aim of establishing a friendly provincial-state relationship with Sabah, marking a potential new chapter in bilateral cooperation between China's Guizhou Province and the Malaysian state. The proposal, which centres on strengthening ties in economy, culture, trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, was well-received by State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Seri Christina Liew, and State Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. The visit, facilitated by the Sabah China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC), saw the Guizhou delegation pay courtesy calls to both ministers to present the province's vision for collaboration. Leading the delegation, Deputy Director-General Liu Baochang outlined Guizhou's strengths, including its status as a hub for new energy, computing power infrastructure, scientific innovation, and liquor production, as well as being home to tech giants like Apple and Huawei, and the globally renowned 500-metre Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope, 'Sky Eye'. He said Guizhou is now actively expanding its reach to Central, South, and Southeast Asia, and sees Sabah as a strategic partner in the region. Liu also extended an invitation for Sabah leaders to visit Guizhou and witness firsthand the province's industrial and technological advancements. 'We hope to deepen and broaden cooperation in economic, cultural, and tourism fields, and establish a formal friendly relationship between our two governments,' Liu said. Christina welcomed the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to connect with one of China's dynamic provinces. 'This visit opens doors for greater understanding and collaboration, especially in areas like eco-tourism and the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme,' she said. She introduced Sabah's strengths in sustainable tourism, its rich biodiversity, and ongoing efforts to preserve indigenous cultures. She also revealed plans for a 65-acre Cultural Centre in Kinolok, where all 35 indigenous ethnic groups in Sabah will showcase their heritage, further enriching the state's tourism appeal. Meanwhile, Phoong highlighted Sabah's push toward industrialisation and infrastructure development, citing upcoming projects like the Pan Borneo Highway, airport expansions in Kota Kinabalu and Tawau, and the upgrading of Sepangar Port. 'Sabah is undergoing transformation through innovation and infrastructure. We see Guizhou as a valuable partner in this journey,' said Phoong, who also invited the delegation to participate in the 2nd Sabah-China Expo this November. He added that the state is working towards increasing its power supply by 700 megawatts by 2030, including launching Malaysia's first wind power plant. Datuk Frankie Liew, President of the SCCC, praised the high-level composition of the Guizhou delegation, which includes senior officials from the foreign affairs office, commerce department, and municipal governments. 'Sabah and Guizhou share similarities in natural resources and cultural heritage. With strong will from both sides, I believe we can foster pragmatic cooperation,' he said. He noted strong potential in areas such as ecological protection, creative industries, environmental technology, and green development, expressing confidence that the partnership would spur mutual growth. Also present during the visit were SCCC Deputy President Brett Chua, Vice President Ir. Ts. KJ Tan, JP, Datuk Jonathan Koh, JP, and officials from Invest Sabah including CEO Dr. Firdausi Suffian. The visit is seen as a stepping stone toward building a long-term cooperative relationship between Guizhou and Sabah, paving the way for increased economic opportunities and cultural exchange between the two regions. * 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
