Ministry aims to make Sabah a cooking oil exporter
KOTA KINABALU: The State Ministry of Trade and Industry is determined to elevate Sabah's downstream industry with emphasis on the production of cooking oil.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau, said under his leadership, the new ministry would focus on realizing the development of more downstream processing businesses.
“I hope that one day we will see the export of Sabah's cooking oil brand overseas since we produce most of Malaysia's palm oil,” Tangau said, in his speech at the opening of the Sabah International Food & Beverage Fair (SIFBF) 2018 at Suria Sabah shopping mall yesterday.
Tangau further opined that bodies such as the Federation of Sabah Industries (FSI) could play a role in achieving the said goal.
“I am confident that FSI will be able to help Sabah economically, in smart partnership with the State and Federal Government, to raise industrial development and thus to produce more products for export,” Tangau added.
On a separate note, Tangau also assured the public that the State Government would be taking steps on achieving food security in attaining self-sufficiency in paddy, dairy products, vegetables and meat.
He pointed out that the food and beverage industry had played an important role in generating revenue for the state as well as the country as a whole, especially through the tourism sector.
He also said that the industry could also provide more job opportunities for the youths in Sabah.
Also present in the event was FSI president Datuk Ir Chong Hon Len, who reiterated FSI's eagerness in revamping the industry.
“FSI has always been in the forefront in advocating the interest of the industry. At the moment, we are working on a number of proposals to seek support from the government to lower the cost of doing business in Sabah and to make sure that Sabah will be more attractive to local and foreign investors,” Chong said.
He added that FSI would continue to work closely with State Government and all the other relevant agencies to develop the sector.
Commenting on the event, Chong said that SIFBF would serve as an avenue for local and foreign professionals to demonstrate and upgrade their skill to the public.