KOTA KINABALU: Sabah companies must enhance compliance with international standards for their products and services to penetrate international markets and compete globally, says Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick.
He said that this critical measure to improve was currently only 261 Sabah companies out of 12,742 Malaysia enterprises that registered under Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) Singapore, as of December 2025.
“This shows the need for us to double our efforts to ensure more local products and services are developed to meet the demands and standards of international markets,” said Ewon, who is the state Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transportation Minister.
“One of my ministry’s major focuses is to improve the standards and quality of Sabah entrepreneurs’ products and services.
“With compliance to international standards such as Halal certification, Mesti, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), local companies will be better prepared to enter overseas markets,” he told reporters after officiating the Sabah Industry Excellence Awards (AKIS) here on Saturday (Feb 7).
Ewon said his ministry will continue to support entrepreneurs and local companies through appropriate policies and initiatives, including ensuring the necessary support to bring products and services to international markets.
“In terms of packaging, we will prioritise development in this area because it is very important for bringing local entrepreneurs’ products to international markets. This is part of my ministry’s major focus, starting with tonight’s recognition,” he said.
He noted that his observations showed a significant difference in product packaging before and after receiving guidance from the ministry.
“Feedback from program participants showed their sales increased after product packaging was improved, as it became more attractive and met consumer demands.
“Packaging plays a major role in influencing consumer decisions. Therefore, this element will continue to be among the programs carried out by the ministry so that Sabah entrepreneurs continue to benefit,” he said.
Ewon added that the guidance programs also aim to raise entrepreneurs’ awareness of obtaining key certifications, such as Halal and ESG, which are essential components for entering international markets.
“These are major factors influencing consumer confidence abroad, while also helping entrepreneurs become more aware of the need to obtain the required certifications,” he said.
He said scaling up small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is among his ministry’s main priorities, beginning with enhancing production capacity and strengthening product and service quality and standards.
“I want to see more companies from Sabah, including start-ups, developed and capable of producing products or services that meet international market standards, including markets in Singapore,” he added.
Six local Sabah companies were named winners of the Sabah Industry Excellence Awards (AKIS) 2024/2025 for outstanding performance, innovation, and competitiveness in the industrial and entrepreneurial sectors.
The six companies were Brown Eyes Production, The Best Solution Management Sdn Bhd, Twinine Sdn Bhd, Kedai Emas Osheen Jaya Sdn Bhd, Onaki Sdn Bhd, Jetsin Sdn Bhd.
