Latest news with #SabahIndustrialDevelopmentandEntrepreneurship


Malaysiakini
2 days ago
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Steel project row heats up as minister's aide hammers Warisan rep
An aide to Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Phoong Jin Zhe has condemned Warisan assemblyperson Calvin Chong for 'repeatedly launching irresponsible attacks' over the Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd project. Chan Long Wei said the strategic and transformational RM31 billion investment is set to reshape Sabah's industrial landscape and create thousands of job opportunities for our local talents.


Malaysiakini
2 days ago
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Warisan to GRS: RM31bil steel project based on assumptions?
Warisan assemblyperson Calvin Chong questioned how the project schedule for the RM31 billion Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd steel manufacturing plant was made based on assumptions. In a statement yesterday, he accused Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Phoong Jin Zhe of misleading the public. 'Phoong said the original schedule for the Esteel Enterprise project, with a total investment of RM31 billion, was...


Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Strong cooperation key to Penampang's development - Ewon
Steven, Ewon and Jannie beating the gong to mark the launch of the event. Also in the picture are Vivian (left), Chan (second from left) and Phoong (right). PENAMPANG (June 2): The Member of Parliament here, Datuk Ewon Benedick, stressed that close cooperation between elected representatives and government leaders is vital to ensure successful development in their respective constituencies. Ewon, who is also the Federal Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives MInister, said his continued collaboration with Kapayan assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang has allowed for smoother implementation of various programmes and development plans in Penampang, particularly in the Kapayan area. 'Whenever there is a need, an issue, or a development matter in Penampang, my office together with the Kapayan ADUN Service Centre will sit down to discuss the best way to assist our community. We do not work in silos, but as a team,' he said. He was speaking at the Kaamatan Festival celebration for the Kapayan constituency, held at Dewan Kibouvang here recently. The event was officiated by Human Resources Minister Steven Shim. Also present were Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Sandakan member of parliament Vivian Wong and Bandar Kuching member of parliament Dr Kelvin Yii. Ewon said that this collaboration has also led to the creation of the Penampang Development Plan 2024–2035, which is now a key component of the proposed 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) for the development of the Penampang parliamentary constituency. He added that thanks to joint efforts with other elected representatives and government leaders, several federal ministers have visited Penampang to see first-hand the needs of the local community, including flood mitigation projects and other development initiatives that are underway or in the pipeline. 'I am confident that with the strategic cooperation and development plans we have drawn up, together with the Federal Cabinet and state government, Penampang will benefit from greater development allocation under RMK13. 'With the presence of my Cabinet colleagues here in Penampang, I am confident that development in both Kapayan and Moyog will continue to progress,' he said. Ewon highlighted several ongoing major projects in Penampang, including the flood mitigation project, upgrading of the Terian-Buayan road, construction of a bridge in Babagon, and the implementation of the PANTAS programme in Kampung Togudon. He also said that under his ministry alone, several agency offices have already been established in Penampang, including the National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN), TEKUN Nasional, an MSME Hub, and a Live Studio facility at the TEKUN Penampang Office. In addition, the Tamu Desa project has been implemented in Penampang to support local market traders and small entrepreneurs. On the Kaamatan celebration, Ewon said it is now celebrated by all Malaysians regardless of race, religion or culture. 'This is in line with the theme 'Kaamatan for All'. Kaamatan is not just for the Kadazandusun community in Sabah — it is also celebrated overseas by Sabahans, particularly the Kadazandusun diaspora,' he said.


The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Grace period a boon for employers
On the ground: Sim (centre) and Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe (front row, in white) posing with other dignitaries and participants of the HRD Corp's National Training Week (NTW) 2025, themed Learning Without Borders. PETALING JAYA: The Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) Amnesty Month, which ended on Saturday, has successfully saved employers up to RM100mil in costs nationwide. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said more than one million workers have been protected through the operation, which began in April. 'I call upon all employers to be more aware about making contributions for their employees. 'This is a social responsibility that cannot be ignored,' he said in a statement yesterday. Earlier this year, PERKESO had given employers a grace period from April 1 to 30 to register and begin voluntary contributions for their employees without facing legal action. An extension was given until May 31, whereby errant employers were exempted from compounds, legal action and late payment interest fees (FCLB). Additionally, Sim encouraged workers to download the PERKESO Prihatin application to check whether contributions have been made by employers to ensure that their rights are protected. On another matter, Sim said that 13 people were presented benefit payments totalling RM66,390. Of the recipients, five received benefits under the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 (Act 4), three under the Rate of Contribution Self-Employment Social Security Scheme (Act 789) and five others under the Rate of Contribution Employment Insurance System (Act 800). Meanwhile, a total of 800 individuals received sponsored social protection contributions under PERKESO's Lindung Kasih programme during the Kaamatan Festival in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. This included 150 housewives through the Housewives Social Security Scheme and 50 individuals under the Self-Employment Social Security Scheme. Sim said the sponsorships was to ensure that more housewives received comprehensive social security protection. 'This shows the government's continued commitment in protecting housewives from domestic disasters and inefficiencies while managing the household,' he added.