Move to resume barter trade

TAWAU: The State Finance Ministry will consider resuming barter trade between Tawau (Malaysia) and Indonesia.

Its Assistant Minister Sarifuddin Hata said the matter was being discussed with Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, with information from relevant authorities including National Security Council to be taken into consideration.

"There have been many requests for the business activity to be resumed, but at the same time there has to be a structuring to prevent smuggling activities via uncharted routes.

"There must be control and strong enforcement, just one designated location and list of goods,” he told reporters after presenting Ramadan contributions to 109 orphans yesterday.

He said reactivating barter trade between the two countries albeit in a more systematic manner would invigorate the economy of local residents.

Meanwhile, he said the prospect of barter trade with the Philippines would be further discussed with the national security council to see what the main priority is, and the security factor.

He wants more stringent enforcement such as termination of licence or ban on traders found to be involved in smuggling goods during transhipment.

In April 2016, the state government under Tan Sri Musa Aman stopped barter trading at all the local ports and suspended commercial activities such as unloading, in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) based on the factor of security including kidnapping at sea.

In another development, Sarifuddin said the ministry was in the process of restructuring its departments for a more efficient work system.

He also said the ministry would also continue with the programme implemented by the previous government to “peoplise the public service” in the interest of the population.