Chambers lauds Najib’s cabotage policy announcement

KUCHING: Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS) applauds Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s announcement that Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan will be exempted from cabotage policy starting June 1.

In the past, ACCCIS had submitted several memoranda to the government to express its concern and request on the subject. Now, the exemption for the enforcement of this policy will come into force soonest by enabling international shipping to and from ports in East Malaysia to load and unload imported and exported cargoes directly without going through Port Klang or Pasir Gudang Port.

This in turn will decrease shipping times and freight charges and consequently the prices of goods in the state to be the same as Peninsula and also making local products more competitive in the international markets.

ACCCIS expresses its support to the state and federal governments for making this decision a reality for the business community and people of East Malaysia as this is an important decision that would help to alleviate the high cost of doing business faced by the various industrial sectors as well as to bring down the cost of living.

The exemption would also boost the competitiveness of the industry and other sectors in the state and to encourage local businesses to explore new international markets.

“ACCCIS believes the exemption will also open up an international cargo shipping industry in the state and thereby boosting local economic activities more rapidly.”

“ACCCIS appreciates that our Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg has put a lot of efforts on this subject matter to bring about a significant socio- economic progress to the state for the sake of Sarawakians,” said ACCCIS via a press statement issued by its secretariat yesterday.