‘Prioritise infrastructure development in Sabah’

KOTA KINABALU: Infrastructure development remains the priority for businesses in Sabah and Labuan.

Labuan Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Datuk Wong Kii Yii said: “We need the government’s support in terms of funding and to upgrade our infrastructure including water supply.”

He also asked that several issues on the duty-free status of cigarettes be relooked in Labuan as it had been a major economic contributor to the island before the status was revoked.

“Now, the only duty-free things here are liquor, chocolates and cars,” he said, adding that the number of people coming to Labuan and contributing to the economy had reduced significantly.

Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Datuk Ladislaus Maluda said a bigger budget must be allocated for infrastructure development, especially for rural areas in Sabah.

Ladislaus said many areas in Sabah had been left behind compared to other parts of the country.

“So, this round, we hope there will be more for the development and livelihood of Sabah and its people,” he added.