Concerns over control of KKIA shoplots by West M’sian firms
KOTA KINABALU: The Small and Medium Enterprise Association of Sabah (SME Sabah) has expressed concerns that most of the shoplots in the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) are controlled by West Malaysians.
SME Sabah pointed this out to Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Christina Liew during a courtesy call at her office on Friday.
The association hoped more chances would be given to Sabahans in the future.
“I was informed that majority of the shoplots in KKIA are owned by West Malaysia companies. They (SME) expressed their concerns. I noted their concern. I will see what I can do and will bring this up to the federal Tourism Ministry’s attention,” Liew said.
Christina was briefed on the latest progress of SME Sabah by its Permanent Honorary President and Co-founder of SME Sabah, Datuk Frankie Liew and President Foo Ngee Kee.
Christina commented that the courtesy call by SME Sabah was a very fruitful one.
“We listened to the chairman and advisor about the kind of predicaments that they are facing, and also the proposals from them, as SME entrepreneurs what they can contribute and what they intend to contribute, and what the government can do so that we can be in co-operation to help the SMEs to flourish in the state,” she said.
Liew wished for more of this kind of dialogue so that the government could understand difficulties of small businesses.
“We need to listen to them on what they can do and what they wish the government to hear and to do for them. I thank for their visit,” she added. During the event, Frankie and Foo briefed Christina that youth entrepreneurship is among their main objectives. There are many youths in Sabah who want to start their own business but could not do so due to financial and resources limitation. SME Sabah will encourage and support youths by assisting them to apply for such loans, incentives or programmes from relevant government departments or agencies.
Also present were permanent secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datu Rosmadi Datu Sulai; Sabah Tourism Board senior marketing manager Josephine Chai; SME Sabah Deputy President Michael Chin Wee, Vice President Tan Kai Teck, Secretary Lawrence Wong Hon Ket, Head of IT Ngan Yoke Loo, Assistant Secretary Alvin Choo Jin Hiung , Assistant Treasurer Willie Lo, and Council Members Callee Tan Kai Lee, Eric Ooi Xin Hau, Lau Jiin Woei, Lee Kok Keong.