KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) will develop a financing support ecosystem to improve access to funding for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in industrial parks across the state.
Its Minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said the ministry is currently formulating initiatives aimed at easing financing access for SMEs seeking to operate in industrial parks, including the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) and Sabah Agro Industrial Park Sdn Bhd (SAIP).
“One of the main challenges faced by entrepreneurs is the collateral requirement imposed by financial institutions, particularly when land and buildings in industrial parks cannot be used as collateral,” he said.
“At the ministry level, I have held preliminary discussions and received support from banks and several related agencies to explore ways to assist companies in Sabah in obtaining financing. We hope this collaboration can be finalized in the near future,” he added.
He was speaking at the Chinese New Year celebration organized by the Penampang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) at Dewan Hakka, Likas, here yesterday. The event was attended by leaders and members of Chinese business chambers and associations in the state.
In a related development, Ewon said the ministry will commence a study on the Sabah Transport Master Plan this year, covering land, sea and air transportation, including logistics requirements to support the state’s industrial and business ecosystem.
He added that MINDET will continue efforts to promote Sabah as an investment destination, including organizing the inaugural Sabah Oil & Gas Services Conference & Exhibition in June 2026 and opening two new industrial parks in Kudat and Kota Belud.
On congestion issues at Sepanggar Bay Port, Ewon said the ministry is implementing eight interim action plans that were agreed upon by the State Cabinet following a recent presentation.
“After receiving complaints and suggestions from various parties, I made this issue my top priority for action.
“I am confident that the implementation of these interim measures will streamline port operations, including cargo clearance processes,” he said, adding that a similar leadership approach will be taken to address issues at Sandakan and Tawau ports.
As Member of Parliament for Penampang, Ewon reaffirmed his commitment to implementing the Penampang Development Master Plan 2024–2035, including working closely with PCCI and 28 Chinese community associations in the constituency.
“I believe this Chinese New Year celebration will spur economic progress, entrepreneurship and overall well-being for traders and the people as a whole,” he said.
