KOTA KINABALU: A dedicated unit should be established to monitor and coordinate the implementation of Malaysia Plan projects in Sabah to prevent delays, says Datuk Ewon Benedick.
He said that while the state development action council has been tasked with monitoring projects, a specialised unit is needed to actively resolve issues such as inter-agency conflicts, land acquisition, compensation, and approvals from local authorities.
“The 13th Malaysia Plan is expected to be tabled in Parliament around July this year, and I trust the Sabah government has already submitted its list of priority development projects to the Federal Government.
“Nonetheless, we must learn from previous Malaysia Plans, where many projects were delayed owing to various factors,” Ewon (PH-Kadamaian) said in his debate speech in the state assembly here on Monday (April 14).
Ewon also welcomed the government’s move to create additional positions within the Sabah Public Works Department (JKR), which he said would help expedite the implementation and monitoring of these projects.
This follows the decision to allow Sabah JKR to manage federal-funded projects valued at RM50mil and below starting in 2023.
Ewon, who is also federal Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister, said a total of 53,398 entrepreneurs and cooperatives in Sabah received grants and financing amounting to RM813.4mil last year.
He added that under his ministry’s "Domestic Look East Policy", special focus would continue to be given to entrepreneurship development in Sabah and Sarawak.
“The mid-term review of the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030, set for this year, will also take into account Sabah’s needs, including strengthening supply chains, food security, and high-impact sectors,” he said.
Ewon also called for the strengthening of the Sabah entrepreneur development coordination committee and proposed the setting up of a halal testing laboratory to expedite certification processes for local products.
He stressed the need to expand internet coverage across the state to support the growing number of entrepreneurs who market their products via social media platforms.
“Following the launch of the Tekun TikTok Shop Live Hub in Sabah, we’ve seen a significant boost in product sales. However, cargo delivery costs to areas outside Sabah remain a major challenge and require government intervention," he said.
He hoped a comprehensive solution could be formulated to address these logistics concerns, so that Sabah entrepreneurs are not left behind in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
