Sabah may become aviation parts producer — Darell

KOTA KINABALU: An aviation parts production centre at Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) and huge foreign investment in chemical-related products might be heading towards Sabah, revealed International Trade and Industry minister Darell Leiking.

Darell said the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) through the National Aerospace Industry Coordinating Office (NAICO) managed about RM13 billion revenue for aviation this year.

"I am thinking of pursuing an aviation centre in KKIP. It is almost happening and if this is successful, we might be producing parts for aircraft one day," said the minister.

"If that happens, we're going to be big in Malaysia. Then Sabah will get some spin.

"We are starting (one in KKIP) but we will push it further soon. Not only that in KKIP they are doing automation for vehicles," he told the media after a courtesy call to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal at the Sabah State Administrative Centre (PPNS) here yesterday.

When it comes to the huge foreign investment, Darell said at least 700 jobs could be created from it.

"However, we are not announcing this investment at the moment because we need to clear out a few red tapes that are usual.

"The Chief Minister has also said bureaucracy will not be the order of the day anymore because we want to ensure Sabah increases its economic potential as well as tourism potential.

"At the moment, I can fairly say it is chemical. Foams, chemical, all very important components of making plastics as well," he hinted.

Allocations to PBT without 30% women councillors will be reviewed — Zuraida

KUALA LUMPUR: The Housing and Local Government Ministry will review allocations to local authorities (PBT) which fail to meet the 30 per cent quota for women councillors, its minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said yesterday.

She said this would be spelt out in the Star Rating System for PBT, which was still being formulated and will be implemented in two years.

"This matter is under discussion at the initial stage to ensure all PBT meet the quota, that is a minimum of eight women councillors in a 24-member council... once implemented, PBT which fail to meet the criteria will have their allocations reviewed,.

“I will streamline further the conditions in the Star Rating System for PBT,” she told reporters after attending the National Women's Day 2018 Conference here.