Traders urge govt to lift rice, sugar transshipment ban
KOTA KINABALU: The continuous implementation of the ban on transshipment of rice in all ports including Sabah and Labuan following a directive from the Agriculture and Argo-based Industry Ministry will create negative economic impact here, acording to Sabah Cross-Border Traders Organisation (SCBTO).
Besides, the ministry’s decision was made without properly consulting the local businesses and communities in Sabah and Labuan.
Therefore, it is only appropriate for the federal authority to immediately lift the ban now that the Sabah Government is under the capable leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal who had decided to re-open Sabah’s doors for barter trade activity with effect from next January 1, said SCBTO president Nordin Ening.
Nordin claimed that the refusal to life the ban on transshipment of rice would negate efforts of the Chief Minister to promote trade and investment via the barter trade system.
“I am hoping the federal authority concerned will seriously consider our noble, practical and economy friendly request,” he said.
In justifying SCBTO’s call, Nordin said the ministry’s earlier measure would not only result in port operators seeing losses in business, but unemployment rate would increase with jobs taken away and the cost of living would rise.
In addition, he expressed fear that the continuation of the ban on transhipment of rice would eventually discourage Filipino traders to do business with their counterparts in Sabah.
“There is a great possibility that these Filipino traders will instead divert their business concentration to other neighbouring countries like Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand amongst others,” he said.
Nordin reiterated that banning barter traders from trading rice and sugar (some main trading commodities) starting next year would surely discourage our Filipino neighbours from doing business with Sabah.
On the preparation aspects on the revival of the barter trade system next year, Nordin stressed both local traders and the Filipino counterparts were ready to launch their maiden business voyages in terms of supply and demands.
“We have a very good understandings with our counterparts in the Philippines and all aspects especially in the national security matters that have been properly discussed,” he said, adding that both parties concerned had agreed to strictly comply with all the requirements and rules and regulations to ensure that the goals and objectives of the barter trade system would be achieved.