KOTA BELUD: The Sabah Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) is monitoring the impact of global conflicts on supply chain systems and their implications for consumers in Sabah.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Ewon Benedick said he has instructed relevant agencies to prepare a more detailed report on how conflicts occurring in several parts of the world may affect the state.
According to him, the report is important to provide a clearer picture of the potential impact on Sabah and on end consumers in the state.
“I have asked the relevant agencies to prepare a report that provides a more detailed overview of the impact on Sabah and on consumers in the state so that the matter can be brought to the Cabinet or discussed at a higher level regarding possible interventions or follow-up actions by the government,” he said.
He said this when met at the Iftar Programme with Mosque and Surau Committees across Kadamaian, held at the compound of Masjid Kampung Tambulion here yesterday.
Ewon said the matter was discussed during the ministry’s post-Cabinet meeting that he chaired on Wednesday, which was also attended by several state government agencies as well as federal agencies under the ministry’s portfolio.
Among the issues discussed during the meeting was the impact of ongoing conflicts in several parts of the world on global supply chain systems and the implications for the supply of goods to Sabah.
He said developments in these conflicts have indeed affected global markets, including increases in oil prices, which subsequently lead to higher logistics costs.
“When oil prices increase, logistics costs will also rise whether it involves sea or air transportation, and this affects the supply chain of goods,” he said.
He added that disruptions to international trade routes could also affect the supply of goods to Sabah.
According to him, such disruptions could lead to delays in the arrival of goods to the state and may also affect the export process for certain products.
“Trade routes may also be affected, and certain goods brought into Sabah may experience delays in arrival or delays in export due to safety factors or disruptions along those routes,” he said.
Ewon added that the ministry will continue to monitor current developments to ensure appropriate measures can be taken to minimise the impact on consumers in Sabah.
–Press KL
