Sabah Trade Center to be rejuvenated — Phoong

KOTA KINABALU:

Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Phoong Jin Zhe welcomed stakeholders’ suggestions and ideas to revitalize the worn-out Sabah Trade Center.

In response to recent opinions, including those from former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee, Phoong reaffirmed that the primary goal of the redevelopment initiative is to provide the people of Sabah with a modern, effective trade center, driving economic development for local small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs).

“Initially, the previous government had engaged in an agreement to sell the prime land. However, the current Cabinet has agreed to reverse the decision in 2023 and retain the Sabah Trade Center, which is now under the purview of my ministry.

“We will not sell the land as the previous government decided, this is for certain,” Phoong stated firmly.

“It is important to note that the decision to withdraw the sale of the land, which was initially made a decade ago, reflects the government’s commitment to prioritizing the interests of the Sabahan people,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

The minister shared that this pivotal decision has paved the way for a fresh start and the opportunity to reimagine the Sabah Trade Center as a vibrant hub for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and trade activities.

“We are committed to ensuring that the Sabah Trade Center becomes a beacon of economic growth and provides a platform for local Sabahan entrepreneurs. We are not selling the Sabah Trade Center or the land to any private sector,” Phoong emphasized firmly.

“I welcome the recent idea from SME Sabah president Professor Datuk Foo Ngee Kee, proposing to rejuvenate the STC to become an SME Hub. This aligns perfectly with the ministry’s aspiration and direction,” he continued.

“Instead of just patching things up here and there, we envision an inclusive rejuvenation that ensures the Sabah Trade Center is fully functional and supports the growth of SMEs, facilitating meaningful economic exchanges,” Phoong concluded.

We will not sell the land as the previous government decided, this is for certain.

Phoong Jin Zhe