CM: Security aspect taken into account in resuming barter trade

KOTA KINABALU: Neighbouring Philippines and Indonesia have been engaged to prioritize security in light of barter trade resumption in Sabah, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.

“We have done research and we know this is an effort that is good. I have met the governors from both the Mindanao and Sulawesi regions. They have stated that we need to increase (security efforts). This effort is for the good of both parties, not only the neighboring Philippines party but also our Indonesian neighbor. This is a bond that we need to increase,” he told the press after the 23rd Sabah Foundation Technical College (KTYS) convocation ceremony at Menara Tun Mustapha here yesterday.

“We are aware of the need to take security calculations. This is a shared responsibility. I believe even the neighboring countries, if they get the profit and the business can be improved, the effort to keep the security is a priority. We understand and know amongst the efforts we need is to be very cautious in terms of our trading conditions. Security among the things we pay attention to,” he added.

The barter trade between Sabah and the neighbouring countries which was halted due to security reason will resume operation on January 1, 2019.

It will operate in four areas with jetties namely Kudat, Tawau, Sandakan and Lahad Datu due to the demand by traders involved in the system of business.

State Umno Youth chief Aziz Julkarnain said that risking Sabah’s multi-billion tourism industry was not worth the RM350 million a year in receipts from barter trading and called for a review of the decision.

According to a report, the suspension of the decades-old practice in 2016 caused major trade and job losses.

A survey among 11 businesses showed income losses of between RM1.68 and RM3.75 million.