Sabah Development Corridor [Archive]

MALAYSIAN

November 26th, 2007, 11:25 AM

Make MM2H a success: Hajiji

Kota Kinabalu: Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor hoped those involved in the promotion of the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) will take the initiative to ensure the programme's success.

He said the MM2H programme - previously known as the Silver-Haired Programme - was to generate income for the State as it invites foreigners, particularly retirees to come and stay in Sabah.

"We support the programme which I believe will be able to contribute to the income of the State," he said after launching the Shareda Property Exhibition (PropEX07) at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex here on behalf of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

Asked about a case involving a Dutch couple who faced difficulties when they wanted to take up the MM2H programme recently, he said it could be due to some misunderstanding.

"We don't actually know what was the reason and we are checking it.

However, we hope those involved (in the programme) will provide good and friendly treatment, especially to those coming from abroad," he said.

Hajiji, nonetheless, said the incident was an insolated case.

On the contention that the MM2H would affect locals intending to buy houses as prices would inevitably go up, he said this was not the case because the MM2H only targets the high-end market and not those in the lower income bracket.

Towards this end, he assured the Government's commitment to providing sufficient low-cost houses to the people with about 14,000 units being built and another 16,000 units coming up to reach the targeted 32,000 units in Sabah.

Meanwhile, Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Shareda) President Kong Kwok Wah called on the Government to simplify the procedures for foreigners taking up the MM2H programme.

"We hope the Government will seriously consider the possibility of granting automatic approval to those who have purchased property worth more than RM250,000," he said.

He said about 300 units of houses were sold to foreigners in Sabah but only a small portion of them were given the privilege under the MM2H programme.

Among them are those from Europe, England, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and China whose numbers are increasing, he said.

Those participating in the programme would among others be given a special 10-year visa to live in the country and among the requirements, according to Kong, was for them to place a certain amount of money in the local bank and withdraw only a certain amount each year.

"They don't even have to stay here," said Kong.

Simplifying the procedures, he believed, would attract more foreigners to take up the programme, hence bringing in more revenue to the State.

In his speech, based on the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) figures, he said Malaysia is ranked ninth in the list of best sites for expatriate retirement.

"Given that Malaysia's ranking was determined by foreign researchers, I see very good reason for developers in Sabah to seriously look at this market segment."

According to recent reports, the Government wants to attract RM70 billion worth of foreign investments in its property market over the next 10 years and is working on a new set of incentives.

Towards this end, he said he always believed Sabah ranks way above many other states in the country as a desirable destination for foreigners to acquire second homes.

For starters, he said properties in Sabah are relatively cheaper than in Penang, Kuala Lumpur or even Melaka.

Having a large tract of hinterland, a small population that translates into peace, tranquility and less congestion coupled with the modern amenities and world class tourist attractions and holiday destinations, Sabah is a dream place for holiday homes, he said.

Kong agreed with the PropEX07 organising chairman, Francis Goh who is also Shareda MM2H coordinator, that they need to work hard to attract 10,000 foreigners to stay in Sabah under the MM2H programme.

If each buys a property worth RM650,000, it may bring in RM6.5 billion worth of sales and if each spends an average of RM8,500 per month it would add up to RM1 billion in annual revenue for Sabah, he said.

Kong said the challenge was coordination between the government departments and the private sector, from developers to agents, to work together to ensure that Sabah does not miss out on the opportunities.

"We need to have greater coordinated promotion efforts. We need to have the differences in preferences of potential investors or retirees from Japan, Korea, Middle East or Europe," he said.

Kong reiterated Shareda's optimism that the proposed Sabah Development Corridor expected to be launched by the Prime Minister before end of this year and the completion of the Kota Kinabalu International Airport upgrading plus the good State 2008 Budget announced by the Chief Minister would create excitement for the property development market for the next few years in Sabah. :banana:

The Shareda PropEX07 will be on from 10am until 9.30pm daily and end on Nov 25:banana:

haze

December 26th, 2007, 03:08 AM

December 24, 2007 20:14 PM

Sara-Timur Eyes Projects With GDV Of RM2 Bln

By Siti Radziah Hamzah

SANDAKAN, Dec 24 (Bernama) -- Engineering and construction company, Sara-Timur Sdn Bhd, plans to undertake three tourism-related projects in Sabah and Johor with a gross development value (GDV) of RM2 billion.

Managing director, John Loi, said the company was now involved in active negotiations with the local partners and expected to finalise the deal within six months.

"We plan to build hotels and resort housing targeting overseas and local tourists," he told Bernama after the launch of @ease boutique hotel by Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Masidi Manjun, here yesterday.

The hotel, built at a cost of over RM40 million, is part of the Sandakan Harbour Square, a RM450 million integrated commercial, retail and recreational development project.

It is undertaken jointly by the Sandakan Municipal Council and ICSD Ventures Sdn Bhd.

@ease features 138 deluxe rooms and suites, a business centre and banquet and state-of-the-art meeting facilities.

The hotel is part of the Sandakan Harbour Square, a RM450 million integrated, commercial, retail, and recreational development project.

Loi said the proposed projects would keep the company busy for the next 10 to 15 years.

"Sara-Timur is the main contractor for phase one and two of the Sandakan Harbour Square. It still has two more phases to go," he said.

Loi said currently, the company was involved in the construction of four projects in Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu, Kota Tinggi and Kuala Lumpur.

"The Sandakan wet market is completed while the other three projects are between 40 and 60 percent completed," he said.

He said three projects were expected to be completed by 2009 with GDV of RM300 million.

Loi said the company was now actively pursuing its plan to list on Bursa Malaysia.

"We are now exploring the opportunity. We hope (to be listed) within the next two years," he said.

The company was set up in 1995.

-- BERNAMA

MALAYSIAN

January 9th, 2008, 09:13 AM

Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) is expected to be launched by end of this month.

He said the date would be announced shortly after the proposed SDC project has been finalised.

"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will launch the project," he said when asked on the latest development of the project.

The launching was earlier scheduled last month. A mega project, SDC is expected to further stimulate Sabah's economic development at a high proportion. :banana:

bart_shinoda

January 10th, 2008, 02:37 PM

Corridor spread over 17 years

Kota Kinabalu: The much-awaited Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) programme will be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the Sepanggar Bay Container Terminal (SBCT), here, on Jan. 29.

The proramme would span 17 years from 2008 to 2025.

Announcing this after chairing the Cabinet meeting at Wisma Innoprise here Wednesday, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman said they agreed with the SDC development blueprint after being briefed by Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and consultants.

He said the SDC, which was the brainchild of the Prime Minister himself, would mark a significant milestone to the State's economic development.

According to Institute for Development Studies (IDS) Sabah Executive Director Datuk Dr Yaakob Johari, the SDC involved three key principles namely focusing on a balanced economic growth, economic development via environmental conservation and capturing higher value added economic activities.

The first principle of a balanced economic growth would be achieved through reduction of poverty and disparity of income as well as increasing employment opportunity.

The second principle was to ensure that while economic growth was being prioritised but it would not supersedes environmental issues.

Lastly, he said the sectors targeted for the capturing of higher value-added activities are the manufacturing, tourism and agriculture.

rizalhakim

January 11th, 2008, 10:23 AM

Sabah to benefit from holistic development

Kota Kinabalu: The proposed Sabah Development Corridor would be holistic, covering all sectors of the economy and benefiting all segments of the community. Scehduled to be launched on Jan 29 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the corridor is targeted to accelerate Sabah's economic growth through aggressive development of the tourism, agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

All projects would be inclusive and mindful of the participation of the local people.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman (right) and his deputies, Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan (left) and Datuk Raymond Tan, showing the blueprint for the Sabah Development Corridor.

"The SDC will be holistic and encompass the whole of Sabah," Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said after a state cabinet meeting to announce the date for the launch of the corridor.

The launching ceremony will be held at the Sepanggar Bay container port, 35km from here.

A brainchild of the prime minister, the SDC's primary objective is to narrow the economic disparity between Sabah and the other states.

This would be achieved through the promotion of a balanced economic growth and distribution by focusing on the reduction of income disparity and poverty and creation of employment opportunities.

Institute for Development Studies, Sabah executive director Datuk Dr Mohd Yaakub Johari said preserving the environment was another key emphasis of the SDC.

Implementation of projects would be on the basis of sustainable development to ensure that the environment was not affected.

The development corridor will also focus on capturing high value in the manufacturing industry through the promotion of downstream processing.

"Investors would be encouraged to go into downstream processing and add value to their products," Mohd Yaakub said.

Citing an example, he said investors in the agricultural sector would be encouraged to go into the processing of biomass.

Mohd Yaakub said an authority would be set up to oversee and ensure the successful and speedy implementation of projects under the development corridor that would cover a period from this year to 2025.

MALAYSIAN

January 11th, 2008, 02:04 PM

By RUBEN SARIO

KOTA KINABALU: A more vibrant state economy powered partly by high value industries and environmentally sensitive tourism activities are among the high expectations being pinned on the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC).

Sabah's business communities say they are looking forward to the SDC, which is to be launched by the Prime Minister on Jan 29.

The 18-year project, which will run until 2025, would stimulate growth particularly in the state.

"This is something all Sabahans are looking forward to," said Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce president Datuk Sari Tan.

His counterpart at the Sabah Bumiputra Chamber of Commerce Datuk Ahmad Ali Lope Abdul Aziz said the SDC would ensure a modern economy and infrastructure for the state.

"I think with the Corridor in place the people of Sabah can expect a better life," he said.

Ahmad said the chamber had given its input for the SDC blueprint that looked into the micro aspects of the state to address the economic disparity among the various districts.

In this regard, he said the SDC would offer numerous investment opportunities for Sabahan entrepreneurs and those from outside the state.

"Our hope is that we will be involved in whatever opportunities available," Ahmad said.:banana:

Malaysia Star

haze

January 21st, 2008, 04:06 AM

January 19, 2008 14:09 PM

PM To Launch SDC To Fast Track Future Development In Sabah

KOTA KINABALU, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- It started with a simple dream and now the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC), set to be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi later this month, is seen as a symbolic new year gift for more than three million people in the state.

The initiative, a brainchild of Abdullah, is holistic in manner, covering all sectors of the economy, including infrastructure development and benefiting all segments of the community.

Soon after launching the new Kota Kinabalu International Airport's Terminal Two building on February 14 last year, Abdullah indicated at the press conference that development in Sabah needed to be accelerated.

In what is seen as a panacea to fast track development in Sabah, dubbed the "Land Below The Wind", he said that there was a need for a blueprint called the Sabah Development Corridor or SDC to achieve the desired result.

Showing his seriousness in the matter, Abdullah then asked the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman to finalise the details as soon as possible, hoping for Sabah to become one of the most developed states in the country.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to launch the SDC, which will be spearheaded by the state's government-linked Yayasan Sabah, at the Sabah Container Port in Menggatal on January 29.

Undoubtedly, his vision will lay the proper foundation to accelerate future development in Sabah.

At a media briefing on the SDC here recently, Musa said: "We want a balanced development between urban and rural areas. This development corridor will cover the whole state and not just be confined to pockets."

"Sabah is a big state and if we were to develop only the eastern part, that is Lahad Datu, Tawau and Sandakan, the people in other areas, especially in the interior, might be left behind in terms of development," he said.

"That's why we need to develop the whole of Sabah, so that everybody will share the cake of development."

Musa said he believed that the SDC would benefit many people and enhance the quality of life of people in Sabah.

"This SDC is good for everybody and the people of Sabah can expect a better life and hence, we must work together to make it a reality," he said.

Musa said the SDC would create more job opportunities for Sabahans, thus helping to uplift the standard of life as well as reducing unemployement in the state.

"We might still need foreign workers (in certain sectors) but priority must be given to locals. The people of Sabah will take the lead and we advise them to take this opportunity," he said.

On the SDC logo depicting Mount Kinabalu, Musa said the essence of the logo reflected the impending surge of growth that would take place in Sabah as a result of the proposed economic corridor.

Mount Kinabalu, according to him, is a perfect symbol given its distinctive role as a primary icon of Sabah.

He said the strength of the mountain represented solid growth as its far-reaching peak alluded to the greater heights of social and economic growth that would be the positive outcome from the economic corridor.

He also said that four layers made up the body of the stylised mountain in the logo, and these reflected the four main components identified as economic drivers for the Sabah Development Corridor, which are agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and logistics.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

January 24th, 2008, 10:59 AM

Exciting times ahead for tourism sector
by Yong Yen Nie, 24 Jan 2008 11:37 AM
THEEDGEDAILY

Sabah’s tourism industry, which has been identified as a key driver for the state’s development, can look forward to exciting times.

In line with the Sabah state government’s aim to make every year a “Visit Sabah Year”, the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) masterplan has incorporated three developmental phases, designed to transform Sabah into one of the most liveable places in Asia by 2025.

In Phase One, the blueprint will focus on addressing the basics to support tourism development and lay foundations for its future growth. Phase Two will see Sabah strengthen its position as a premier eco-adventure destination via conservation and sustainable development of new tourism products, which will be anchored by signature resorts. Lastly, Phase Three will turn Sabah into a bustling metropolis within a tropical paradise.

Tourism is currently the third highest contributor to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP), after agriculture and manufacturing. During the Eighth Malaysia Plan (8MP), the sector’s contribution to Sabah’s GDP was 7.4%, and this is expected to grow to 10% in the 9MP period.

Prime tourist attractions including Mount Kinabalu and Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan have consistently drawn many tourists and adventure-seekers to Sabah. But the SDC blueprint will also seek to promote lesser known natural landscapes such as the Maliau Basin and Darvel Bay as Sabah’s “gems”.

As home to one of Malaysia’s only two United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco)-conferred World Heritage Site status, that is, Kinabalu Park (the other being Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak), Sabah is actively pursuing the same status for a few more sites. Sites that are listed for consideration are Sipadan Island, Tun Sakaran Marine Park and the Maliau Basin.

If successful, the listings would not just boost the popularity of these sites but make them important for environmental conservation purposes among the international community.

However, these lesser-known sites lack accessibility, mainly due to Sabah’s rugged terrain and poor road system. Such sites are also precious research areas, and have fragile ecological systems that are vulnerable to pollution and damage by swarms of tourists.

Hence, the SDC blueprint will explore various opportunities to improve Sabah’s current infrastructure and networks to boost tourism, but with sustainability in mind.

Taking the leap with eco-tourism
Increasing environmental concerns have changed the pattern of tourism globally. According to The International Ecotourism Society, eco-tourism is estimated to grow 20% annually, compared with just 7% in overall tourism, making it the fastest-growing segment of the industry.

However, as the eco-tourism industry in Sabah is largely driven by the private sector, the industry faces a shortage of utility services such as water supply, electricity and waste disposal. Responding to the demand, the SDC masterplan will look into providing infrastructure-supporting services to attract and facilitate private sector investment.

But to keep the delicate balance between developing the industry and preserving and conserving Sabah’s natural landscapes, the blueprint will develop the Sabah Eco-Certification Programme (SECP) to assist travel operators in measuring and managing the impact of their operations on the environment.

The demand for more personalised travel is set to overtake the conventional beach-based, mass tourism destinations. As such, the SDC blueprint will seek to attract renowned signature resorts such as Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton and Bvlgari to anchor new, luxurious tourism products, including wellness spas in the highlands such as Kundasang, or Sabah’s islands.

Under the SDC implementation, Sabah will also be marketed to high-end investors that are seeking to own private villas which overlook virgin rainforests and untouched beaches. In view of this, the blueprint is also looking at the possibility of granting high net-worth individuals long-term social visit visas, which will encourage these individuals to make Sabah their second home.

‘One district oneproduct’
Among the many players that will benefit from Sabah’s strong tourism drive is its local people. Under the programme “One District One Product” (ODOP), local communities will be able to earn higher income by producing handicrafts and food products distinctive to their cultures.

ODOP will be spearheaded by Kraftangan Malaysia and Yayasan Sabah, along with various ministries, including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment. The taskforce will identify potential products, besides providing advice to local communities on quality control and attractive designs and packaging for domestic and export markets.

The branding for authentically “Made in Sabah” products will ensure that rural communities receive a sustainable income. Start-up grants will also be provided for entrepreneurs interested in ODOP production full-time.

Additionally, the Keningau Handicraft Production Village which will function as ODOP’s primary training centre will also aim to preserve the diverse handicrafts of Sabah’s natives and traditional production methods, through research and documentation.

Another feature of ODOP is its homestay programmes, whereby villages that are located near major tourist attractions or have distinct lifestyles and activities, will be selected to pilot the programmes.

A Visitors Centre will be set up in each of the selected villages to manage the homestay programme and act as an information centre as well as to provide training to villagers to learn basic courtesy, language skills and tour and activity-guiding.

An example of this initiative is the Rungus Longhouse at Bavanggazo Village, Matunggong, which gives tourists opportunities to experience tranquil, rural life and to participate in the daily activities of the longhouse, including cloth-weaving and accessories-making from colourful beads. In line with this, some villages have been identified as high potential areas, including Kampung Air in Semporna, Mengkabong Water Village in Tuaran, and other interior villages in Kudat and Tenom.

With more than 32 different indigenous groups, Sabah is well-placed to become a key destination offering diverse experiences for the culture-seeking traveller.

Appealing to the international community
Sabah has the potential to tap the 34.5 million international visitor arrivals at the region’s major aviation hubs of Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. To do so, it is poised to recreate its landscape to appeal to the international community.

In the pipeline is the Kinabalu Harbour Front that will stretch from Tanjung Aru to One Borneo, modelled after Australia’s renowned Sydney Harbour waterfront. A Waterfront Development Masterplan will be commissioned to coordinate the development of this world-class waterfront city.

The Kinabalu Harbour Front will be anchored by key projects including the RM2-billion Jesselton Waterfront and Kinabalu Integrated Convention Centre (KICC). These projects are also expected to spur the development of water taxis and buses that will ply the harbour, jetty points, various hotels, as well as a maritime museum and ferry and cruise terminal.

Adding to its international appeal is a performing arts centre, which will nurture Sabah’s creative industries and artistes. The SDC blueprint will also set aside RM250 million for its Arts and Culture Development Fund to support budding creative talents such as playwrights, choreographers and composers, and emerging arts organisations specialising in indigenous art preservation.

Meeting increasing demand
Major hotels enjoy an average 80% occupancy rate during peak seasons between July and August and December and January. An increase in tourism numbers may lead to a shortage of rooms, especially during peak holiday periods.

The Sabah Tourism Board says to counter the problem, about 4,000 to 5,000 new hotel rooms are expected to be completed by 2010.

Among hotel operators planning to increase hotel rooms is the Sutera Harbour Resort. Its chief operating officer Ravindran Kathiravelu says the hotel group is developing two luxury service condominium development projects on its 153.6-hectare property.

“‘The Vista at Sutera Harbour’ and ‘The Point at Sutera Harbour’ will each comprise over 400 units of two to three-bedroom configurations.

“The construction for ‘The Vista at Sutera Harbour’ is set to commence in the middle of this year and is targeted to be completed within 36 months from the date of construction, (which) is our commitment in line with the expected growth of tourist arrivals to Sabah in the future,” he says.

Malaysian Hotel Association Sabah Chapter chairman Alex Cham says resorts are popular among foreign tourists, but local tourists prefer to stay in city hotels. Cham says Sabah is currently lacking beach resorts, but expects the situation to change in the next two or three years.

“A lot of investors are looking at setting up beach resorts, especially along the east coast of the city, where it is less congested and has beautiful beaches,” he says, adding that the demand for backpacking lodges is also encouraging.

rizalhakim

January 25th, 2008, 03:29 AM

KFH in talks to finance two Sabah projects

By DAVID TAN

PENANG: Kuwait Finance House (M) Bhd (KFH) is negotiating to finance two projects in the Sabah Development Corridor.

Managing director and chief executive officer Datuk K. Salman Younis said the projects were related to the infrastructure and real estate sectors.

“We will sign one deal on Jan 29. The other should be ready for signing soon,” he told reporters after the launch of the Islamic Banking Briefing & Roadshow in Penang.

“We are also making plans to finance projects in the East Coast Economic Corridor. We recently met the state authorities and the government-linked companies in Terengganu,” he said.

Salman said KFH would set up five branches in the country this year, including two in Penang. The others will be in Johor Baru, Kuching and Sabah.

“These branches will help promote our financing products for the retail sector,” he said.

Currently, KFH has one commercial banking centre and three branches in Kuala Lumpur.

Salman said KFHMB recently secured two financing deals for property projects in Penang.

“Last November, we underwrote The Sanctuary, a project within the Batu Uban growth triangle.

“And recently we provided financing to Ideal Capital Intelligence for The One, Penang Cyber City on a 13.5-acre site in Bayan Baru,” he said.

haze

January 25th, 2008, 11:10 AM

KL Sentral-like hub for Kota Kinabalu in new blueprint
By : Jaswinder Kaur

A transportation hub similar to Kuala Lumpur Sentral is being planned to cope with the expected economic boost when the Sabah Development Corridor blueprint is launched next week.

Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah said the central station would be developed at the existing site of the Tanjung Aru Railway headquarters. The 20ha site is only minutes away from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport and the city centre.

Tan said the privately-funded project was estimated to cost RM600 million and would include shopping arcades, hotels and art galleries.

"The whole idea is to create a transportation hub for Sabah. A traveller would be able to get connections to other parts of the states on various modes of transport from the central station. Work will begin soon and the project is expected to take between three and five years to complete. Once completed, the station will transform the existing Tanjung Aru railway station into a modern and dynamic transportation hub," Tan said after meeting officials from the China South Locomotive (correct) at his office.

Tan said it was also part of Sabah's plan to establish a complete railway system connecting the entire state as an alternative mode of transportation.

The Sabah Railway Department now operates a 134km service from Tanjung Aru to Tenom in the interior and it is the only railway operating on Borneo island. With RM334.8 million in federal funding, the department is improving its facilities and upgrading tracks.

Tan said his ministry has, through its consultant Glitteria Sdn Bhd, invited officials from the China South Locomotive to look into the possibility of participating in the expansion programme.

A feasibility study is currently being carried out to extend the railway service to Sabah's east coast and to the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park in Sepanggar Bay.

TWK90

January 25th, 2008, 11:44 AM

Source : http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/15314

A RAILWAY SYSTEM LINKING ALL DISTRICTS OF SABAH
25th January, 2008
KOTA KINABALU: The State Infrastructure Development Ministry yesterday disclosed an exciting plan to build a central railway station for Sabah at the existing 50-acre site of the Tanjung Aru Railway Station.

The detailed Development Plan of the “Aeropod Project” based on the name of the railway station will be officially unveiled in conjunction with the launch of the Sabah Development Corridor by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Abdullah Badawi on January 29.

The private-funded project is estimated to cost around RM600 million and will include shopping arcades, hotels and art galleries similar to the development concept of the KL Central railway station.

“The whole idea of the Aeropod project is to create a transport hub for Sabah where when one only needs to get to the Aeropod and be connected to almost every part of Sabah on various modes of transportation,” said Minister of Infrastructure Development Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah.

He was speaking when receiving a courtesy call from the China South Locomotive and Rolling Stock Industry (Group) Corporation (China South Locomotive) at his office in Sembulan here.

The project as part of the State government’s ambitious plan to establish a complete railway system connecting the entire state as an alternative mode of transportation and a crucial transport system to propel greater economic development for Sabah.

The project has been awarded to SP Setia Bhd, a public-listed company.

“It is a very good concept and the investor’s willingness to invest such a huge amount of money in Sabah reflects their confidence in the State government under the leadership of Datuk Seri Musa Hj Aman as the Chief Minister of Sabah,” Tan pointed out.

The project is expected to start work as soon as it is officially launched and is expected to take between 3 to 5 years to complete.

Tan said once completed, the project will transform the existing Tanjung Aru railway station into a modern and dynamic transport hub besides generating socio-economic development to Tanjung Aru and the entire Kota Kinabalu city.

On the expansion program for the Sabah railway system, Tan said the railway is another important mode of transportation besides road, air and sea and it should not be neglected in the development of the state.

He was convinced that if properly planned and executed, it will be a key feature in ensuring the future success of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) program.

Recognising this, the Ministry has recently through its consultant firm Glitteria Sdn Bhd invited the China South Locomotive to Sabah to look into the possibility of assisting in the expansion program.

A feasibility study on the expansion program is currently being carried out. It will connect Tanjung Aru to Keningau, Tawau and Lahad Datu, as well as to the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) probably using the railcar so as to better ease traffic congestion in the city.

There is also a plan to build a new railway linkage from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan and a feasibility study on it will be carried out in the near future.

Tan is convinced the China South Locomotive can play an important part in the expansion program, citing its expertise and experience in the locomotive and rolling stock manufacturing industry.

The company’s Area Manager and Overseas Business Department Head, Wang Gang earlier noted that its credentials include a part in the world’s highest railway project, the Qingzang Railway.

Also present at the occasion were State Railway Department general manager, James Wong, China South Locomotive’s project manager, Chen Peifeng, its design department engineer, Yang Qi and Loh Boon Sue, director of Glitteria Sdn Bhd and Tan’s press secretary, Lee Tink Loi.

rizalhakim

January 26th, 2008, 05:30 AM

Terminal moden kereta api RM600j dibina di Tanjung Aru

Oleh: ABDUL RASHID ABDUL RAHMAN

KOTA KINABALU 25 Jan. – Terminal moden kereta api bernilai kira-kira RM600 juta yang menjadi hab pengangkutan negeri Sabah akan dibina bagi menggantikan Stesen Kereta Api Tanjung Aru di sini.

Timbalan Ketua Menteri, Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah berkata, projek yang dikenali sebagai Aeropod itu akan dibina di tapak seluas 20 hektar dalam kawasan Stesen Kereta api Tanjung Aru itu.

“Keseluruhan idea projek ini pada asasnya ialah untuk mewujudkan hab pengangkutan di negeri ini, yang mana apabila seseorang sampai sahaja di Aeropod, mereka akan dihubungkan dengan setiap daerah di Sabah melalui pelbagai bentuk pengangkutan lain.

“Projek ini juga adalah sebahagian daripada rancangan besar kerajaan bagi mewujudkan sistem kereta api yang dapat menghubungkan seluruh daerah di Sabah sekali gus menjadi perangsang pembangunan ekonomi negeri,” katanya. Beliau berkata demikian semasa menerima kunjungan Pegawai Kanan China South Locomotif (CSL) dan Rolling Stock Industry Corporation (RSIC) di sini semalam.

Katanya, projek yang dijangka mengambil masa tiga hingga empat tahun untuk disiapkan itu seakan sama dengan Stesen Sentral Kuala Lumpur yang dilengkapi dengan pelbagai kemudahan seperti arked membeli-belah, hotel dan balai seni lukis.

Menurutnya, pelan terperinci pembangunan projek ini akan diumumkan selepas pelancaran Koridor Pembangunan Sabah (SDC) yang akan dilancarkan oleh Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi pada 29 Januari ini.

Tambahnya, projek yang akan dikendalikan oleh syarikat SP Setia Berhad ini membuktikan keyakinan pelabur terhadap kerajaan negeri di bawah pimpinan Ketua Menteri, Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

Beliau menaruh keyakinan, apabila siap kelak ia bukan sahaja mengubah wajah Stesen Kereta Api Tanjung Aru, malahan akan menjadi hab pengangkutan moden yang membawa pembangunan sosio ekonomi terutama kepada para penduduk di kawasan berkenaan.

Sementara itu, menyentuh mengenai program memperluaskan perjalanan kereta api di Sabah, beliau yakin jika dirancang dengan teliti ia boleh membantu kejayaan program SDC.

Katanya, kementeriannya baru-baru ini, telah menjemput CSL ke Sabah untuk meninjau kemungkinan mengadakan kerjasama bagi program perluasan kereta api ke seluruh negeri berkenaan.

nazrey

January 26th, 2008, 09:12 AM

Sabah plans train service for whole state
Saturday January 26, 2008
TheStar

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah intends to expand its 134km railway service to cover the entire state.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Raymond Tan said a railway linking the east coast districts of Sandakan, Lahad Datu and Tawau, and Keningau in the interior would help ensure success of the Sabah Development Corridor.

“The railway is a key component in the transport and logistics sector. We cannot afford to neglect it,” he said after meeting a group of senior officials from the China South Locomotive and Rolling Stock Industry Corporation here yesterday.

Currently, Sabah Railway’s line runs from Tanjung Aru near here to Tenom in the interior.

Tan said his ministry, through a consultant firm, had recently invited China South Locomotive officials to carry out a feasibility study on the proposed Sabah Railway expansion programme.

He said the expansion would include the service being extended to the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park as well as to the other districts.

Tan pointed to China South Locomotive’s enormous expertise and experience in the locomotive and rolling stock manufacturing industry.

The company’s Overseas Business Department head Wang Gang earlier said its credentials include its involvement in the construction of the world’s highest railway project, the Qinghai-Tibet or Qingzang Railway.

Tan said a modern railway terminal, called the Aeroport terminal, similar to KL Sentral would be constructed at the existing Sabah Railways headquarters in Tanjung Aru.

It would be unveiled with the launching of the corridor by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Jan 29.

The project estimated to cost RM600mil would be a privately-funded initiative and include facilities like shopping arcades, hotels and an art gallery when completed in about five years.

“The whole idea of the Aeroport project is basically to create a transport hub for Sabah where one can get connected to almost every part of Sabah through various modes of transportation,” he added.

The project has been awarded to SP Setia Bhd.

MALAYSIAN

January 26th, 2008, 10:43 AM

Monday, 14 January 2008

KOTA KINABALU: The proposed Sabah Development Corridor would be holistic, covering all sectors of the economy and benefiting all segments of the community. Scheduled to be launched on Jan 29 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the corridor is targeted to accelerate Sabah's economic growth through aggressive development of the tourism, agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

All projects would be inclusive and mindful of the participation of the local people.

"The SDC will be holistic and encompass the whole of Sabah," Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said after a state cabinet meeting to announce the date for the launch of the corridor.

The launching ceremony will be held at the Sepanggar Bay container port, 35km from here. A brainchild of the prime minister, the SDC's primary objective is to narrow the economic disparity between Sabah and the other states.

This would be achieved through the promotion of a balanced economic growth and distribution by focusing on the reduction of income disparity and poverty and creation of employment opportunities.

Institute for Development Studies, Sabah executive director Datuk Dr Mohd Yaakub Johari said preserving the environment was another key emphasis of the SDC.

Implementation of projects would be on the basis of sustainable development to ensure that the environment was not affected.

The development corridor will also focus on capturing high value in the manufacturing industry through the promotion of downstream processing.

"Investors would be encouraged to go into downstream processing and add value to their products," Mohd Yaakub said.

Citing an example, he said investors in the agricultural sector would be encouraged to go into the processing of biomass.

Mohd Yaakub said an authority would be set up to oversee and ensure the successful and speedy implementation of projects under the development corridor that would cover a period from this year to 2025.

Taken From NST Online
10 January 2008

TWK90

January 29th, 2008, 02:13 PM

January 29, 2008 19:18 PM

13 Agreements Worth RM16 Bln Inked At SDC Launch

KOTA KINABALU, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- Thirteen key projects under Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) are set to take off following the signing of respective agreements worth RM16 billion today.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi witnessed the signing of the 13 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) after officiating at SDC's action plan at the Sepangar Bay container port near here today.

Among those who signed the MoUs were companies from China, Japan and US.

The projects include the development and promotion of MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) market, construction of a central railway station, setting up of bulking facility in palm oil industrial cluster in Lahad Datu, development of Kota Kinabalu waterfront and the setting up of modern fish landing facilities in Tawau, Lahad Datu and Sandakan.

Projects under the tourism sector include the development of eco- and health/medical tourism, construction of luxury condominiums and five- and six-star hotels and the development of tourism centres.

The SDC expects tourism receipts to soar to RM48.5 billion by 2025 from just RM2.88 billion in 2006.

On manufacturing, the MoUs are for the implementation of a project under Sawit palm oil industrial cluster (Sawit POIC) and production of jatropha oil for biodiesel fuel.

It is expected that Sawit Kinabalu will team up with Sime Darby Plantation Sdn Bhd to implement the project under Sawit POIC.

A joint venture involving Sabah Land Development Board, Japan-based Nihon Biotech Inch, Kelana Stabil Sdn Bhd and TKM Resources Sdn Bhd will be set up for the production of jatropha oil which will be sold in Japan, US and South Korea.

The SDC expects the manufacturing sector to create 228,708 jobs by 2025. Currently, only 135,000 people are working in the sector.

The MoUs under the agriculture sector involved the agro tourism-based projects, the development of aquaculture in Darvell Bay, Lahad Datu and the research and development on the jatropha curcas.

The SDC aims to increase the agriculture sector's gross domestic product contribution to RM17 billion by 2025 from RM4.1 billion in 2005.

The SDC plan (2008-2025) will cover the whole state to ensure that everyone gets to enjoy the benefits it brings.

It is estimated to generate more than 900,000 jobs during the implementation period.

-- BERNAMA

TWK90

January 30th, 2008, 02:06 AM

Source : http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/1/30/business/20167370&sec=business

SP Setia gets over RM1bil jobs

PETALING JAYA: SP Setia Bhd is moving into Sabah where it will develop a RM1bil property project, known as Aeropod @ Tanjung Aru, and a transportation hub as part of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched the SDC yesterday and witnessed the signing of the development agreement between SP Setia subsidiary Aeropod Sdn Bhd and the Sabah government.

Under the agreement, Aeropod would build the transportation hub in return for the state government procuring the alienation of three parcels of land measuring 59.21 acres and valued at RM110mil. The hub will comprise a transport terminal, new headquarters for Jabatan Keretapi Negri Sabah and ancillary buildings.

The land is sited 5km southwest of the Kota Kinabalu town centre and 2km northeast of Tanjung Aru. It is is near the Kota Kinabalu International Airport and the Low Cost Carrier Terminal 2.

In a statement, SP Setia group managing director and chief executive officer Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin said the project was a crucial stepping stone for the company into the state and that it aimed to capitalise on Sabah's anticipated economic boom.

He said the expansion into Sabah was in line with the group's goal of diversifying into other high-growth states in Malaysia as well as overseas. It currently has projects in the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and Vietnam.

A shopping mall, a 3-star and a 5-star hotel, condominiums and small office home office units have been planned as part of the Aeropod @ Tanjung Aru.

An SP Setia spokesman told StarBiz that the company would start construction of the transportation hub as soon as possible. She said the hub would not cost more than the agreed RM110mil.

“Aeropod @ Tanjung Aru can only be realistically launched around the end of next year or the beginning of 2010,'' she said.

An analyst said that Aeropod @ Tanjung Aru would most likely cater to tourists since Tanjung Aru was in the tourist belt of Kota Kinabalu.

He noted that the company's first integrated commercial project, Setia Walk in Puchong, had done well with almost all units sold. However, the analyst cautioned that a comparison between Sabah and the Klang Valley could not be made based solely on the size of the population.

He said this was due to the state having a blueprint for development under the SDC in which the agricultural, manufacturing and services sectors would figure prominently over the next 18 years.

“Developers can tap into this for more synergies,” he said.

rizalhakim

January 30th, 2008, 03:29 AM

RM500m Kota Kinabalu City Waterfront project unveiled
Published: 2008/01/29

WATERFRONT Urban Development Sdn Bhd (WUD) has unveiled the Kota Kinabalu City Waterfront (KKCW) development in collaboration with Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu.

An agreement on the project was signed between WUD, Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Bhd and a consortium of Middle Eastern and Malaysian investors in Kota Kinabalu yesterday.

The RM500 million Kota Kinabalu City Waterfront, within the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC), is an integrated mixed seafront development situated on the waterfront of the city centre, WUD said in a statement.

Expected to be completed by 2010, it will feature the key attraction of a two-kilometre long boardwalk built using eco-friendly materials rising above the sea on stilts, the company said.

WUD managing director Reymee Mohamed Hussein said in line with the preservation of the environment, the development will incorporate environmentally friendly features like hi-tech LED lighting, energy-conserving air-conditioning systems and solar-powered pedestrian lighting along the boardwalk.

“The waterfront will feature one of the longest city waterfront boardwalks in Asia and is poised to become the city’s prime tourist attraction, making it an integral part of Sabah’s hospitality industry,” he said. — Bernama

rizalhakim

January 30th, 2008, 03:31 AM

SP Setia in maiden Sabah venture
By Zaidi Isham Ismail Published: 2008/01/30

SP Setia says the RM1 billion Tanjung Aru project will see the state become a springboard for its stable of brands and enable the firm to cash in on the anticipated economic boom there

MALAYSIA'S most valuable property company, SP Setia Bhd, has unveiled plans for its first venture in Sabah, a RM1 billion mixed development project in Tanjung Aru.

The project is a major bet on the economy of Sabah, which is set to benefit from an 18-year development plan, estimated to attract investments of more than RM100 billion.

SP Setia group managing director and chief executive officer Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin said the project will see the state become a springboard for its stable of brands and enable the company to capitalise fully on the anticipated economic boom there.

"The expansion into East Malaysia is in line with the group's aim to diversify its geographical concentration to other high-growth states as well as international markets.

"This will be our first showcase project in Sabah to establish our credentials and earn the trust of the property-buying public in the state," Liew said in a statement released yesterday in Kuala Lumpur.

Industry executives said that Sabah would pose a major challenge because of the low purchasing power of its people and the soft property demand compared to that in Peninsular Malaysia.

"SP Setia has to come up with innovative and quality products, which can start a property trend," Irhamy and Co property valuer Sharizal Supian said.

SP Setia subsidiary Aeropod Sdn Bhd signed the deal with the Sabah state government yesterday, witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Under the agreement, SP Setia will build a transport terminal and new headquarters and ancillary buildings of Jabatan Keretapi Negeri Sabah on part of 24 hectares near the Tanjung Aru township and the Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

In return, it will have the rights to develop the balance of 17ha into a mixed residential and commercial project, named Aeropod @ Tg Aru.

The project will have a shopping mall, a five-star as well as a three-star hotel, and residential condominiums, among other developments.

Aeropod @ Tg Aru will be modelled after the creative hybrid commercial projects that SP Setia has launched, such as Setia Walk and Setia Nexus 1 in the Klang Valley.

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Wednesday/Frontpage/SPSABAH-2.xml/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/SP30.jpg

rizalhakim

January 30th, 2008, 03:32 AM

Suria Capital to build properties in KK
Published: 2008/01/29

SURIA Capital Holdings Bhd will build several properties in the Jesselton Waterfront Project in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, in separate deals with Kota Kinabalu Pavilion Sdn Bhd, IJM Properties Sdn Bhd and Glomac Bhd. In a statement yesterday, Suria Capital said it will develop a five or six star 11-storey boutique hotel and a 16-storey 200 unit condominium with IJM. It will also construct a five-storey and 10-storey luxury condominium, three-storey and four-storey shops and offices with Glomac and a three-storey and 10-storey commercial and office building with Pavilion.

haze

January 30th, 2008, 05:48 AM

Suria signs MoUs for KK development

PETALING JAYA: Suria Capital Holdings Bhd has signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Kota Kinabalu Pavilion Sdn Bhd, IJM Properties Sdn Bhd and Glomac Bhd for the development of certain specified precincts of the Jesselton Waterfront Project.

Suria group managing director Datuk Abu Bakar Abas said on Tuesday that the MoUs were signed for the purpose of combining the resources and expertise of the various parties in the development of the project. He said the development would be undertaken via individual joint ventures with the three companies concerned in which Suria's subsidiary, Suria Bumiria Sdn Bhd, would hold 50% of the equity, with the rest to be held by the individual companies.

The MoUs called for the development of 5- and 10-storey luxury condominiums called Suria Avenue, and 3- and 4-storey shopoffices called Suria Boulevard with Glomac, a 5- or 6-star boutique hotel and 16-storey condominium with 200 units called Suria Vista with IJM, and 3- and 10-storey commercial and office buildings with Kota Kinabalu Pavilion.

haze

January 30th, 2008, 06:51 AM

SP Setia To Construct Transportation Hub For Sabah

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- S P Setia Bhd Group will construct the transport terminal, new headquarters and ancillary buildings of Jabatan Keretapi Negeri Sabah on part of a 24-hectare land in northeast of the Tanjung Aru township.

The proposed site is easily accessible from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) and the Low Cost Carrier Terminal 2, said S P Setia in a statement.

S P Setia's subsidiary, Aeropod Sdn Bhd today formalised the agreement with the State Government of Sabah.

In return, S P Setia will procure the right to develop the balance of 16.72 hectares of the land into a mixed residential and commercial project named Aeropod@Tg Aru with a projected gross development value of RM1billion, further complementing the Federal and State Government's efforts to realise the East Malaysian state's full economic potential.

Among the proposed components of this fully integrated project are a shopping mall, a 5-star hotel, a 3-star hotel and residential condominiums.

"Our success in securing this project gives us a crucial stepping stone to springboard the S P Setia stable of brands into Sabah and capitalise fully on the state's anticipated economic boom," commented Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of S P Setia.

In recent years, Sabah has witnessed increasing economic growth and development activities thanks to its healthy tourism industry and expanding population, estimated at 3.3 million in 2007.

As the main gateway into Borneo, the KKIA, which handled more than four million passengers in 2006, is the second busiest airport in Malaysia after the KL International Airport.

Major renovation and extension work on the KKIA is currently underway, and when completed is expected to expand annual passenger capacity to 12 million.

Coupled with the launch of the SDC spanning a period of 18 years from 2008 to 2025 focusing on three sectors - agriculture, manufacturing and services - Sabah's future prospects are greatly enhanced and offer exciting possibilities to be tapped by developers, said S P Setia.

nazrey

January 30th, 2008, 09:39 AM

Launch of corridor heralds new era for Sabah
Wednesday January 30, 2008
By MUGUNTAN VANAR and RUBEN SARIO
TheStar

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/1/30/nation/n_03badawi.jpg

Ambitious plans: Abdullah and his wife Jeanne taking a closer look at models
of buildings planned for the waterfront city project during the SDC launch in
Kota Kinabalu yesterday.

KOTA KINABALU: A total of RM105bil in investments, 900,000 jobs, a waterfront city, tourism projects and a RM600mil new Sabah Railway terminal – these are among the things Sabahans will get when the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) is completed in 18 years.

In addition, Gross Domestic Product will be up to RM63bil and an annual per capita income will hit RM14,800.

As an immediate measure, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced an extra RM5bil allocation under the Ninth Malaysia Plan to improve infrastructure and to reduce the cost of doing business in the state.

And minutes after Abdullah launched the SDC, 13 MoUs were signed involving international companies from China, the United States and Japan for various projects worth RM16bil.

These developments include housing, condominiums, hotels, the waterfront city, ports, tourism projects and the railway terminal at Tanjung Aru.

The Prime Minister said the SDC was to transform Sabah into an environmentally conscious and modern state and gave an assurance that every aspect of the corridor development would benefit all Sabahans.

“Today we see the Land Below the Wind take a quantum leap to be developed and be prosperous,” he said to applause from the crowd at Sapangar Container Port here yesterday.

He outlined five key thrusts of the SDC, which will be to:

> make Sabah the gateway for trade, investment and tourism in the region.

> transform the state into a harmonious and prosperous state regardless of race or religion.

> make the state more technology-savvy to ensure a better quality of life.

> provide job opportunities in the state.

> make Sabah a comfortable state to live in with good quality of life accentuated with diverse cultures, heritage and environment.

Abdullah said that with the realisation of the five key aspects, the face of Sabah would be totally changed under the plans which would not leave out any group or region in the state.

“This is not a daydream. We are not making an empty promise. There is no doubt there is a lot of challenges but we will ensure that the Sabah corridor will be a success,” he said.

Under the SDC, the state’s west coast would see an industrial sub-corridor and agro-food industry for small and medium enterprises. For the central and northern zones, there will be an agripolitan zone, tourism, highland agriculture and agro-forestry.

The east coast will have industries, marine tourism, integrated agro food industry, agro-biotechnology, and palm oil-based industry zones.

Abdullah said that the overall focus of the SDC was to promote Sabah’s inherent strengths that included its location, rich natural resources as well as cultural and biological diversity that can become high potential economic activity.

The sectors being promoted would be agriculture, tourism and logistics, services and manufacturing, he said.

He said they also hoped to bring in more tourists to the state by developing eco-tourism destinations like Sipadan, Danum Valley and Darvel Bay.

Abdullah said the federal government would liberalise the open skies policy for air travel to Sabah.

haze

January 31st, 2008, 03:27 AM

Kota Kinabalu Waterfront development unveiled

Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Waterfront Urban Development Sdn Bhd (WUD) has unveiled its RM500 million Kota Kinabalu City Waterfront (KKCW), an integrated mixed seafront development situated on the waterfront of Kota Kinabalu.

In a statement yesterday, it said the development would be done in collaboration with the Kota Kinabalu City Council (DBKK) within the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi witnessed the signing of the tripartite agreement between WUD, Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Bhd and a consortium of Middle Eastern and Malaysian investors.

The development is expected to be completed by 2010 and would feature a 2km long boardwalk rising from the sea on stilts and connect a variety of retail, lifestyle, residential and hotel establishments, it said.

KKCW would also incorporate environmentally friendly features like hi-tech LED lighting, energy conserving air conditioning systems and solar powered pedestrian lighting along the boardwalk, WUD managing director Reymee Mohamed Hussein said.

“WUD designed this development to unlock the potential of the city’s waterfront and to be comparable with other world-class waterfront developments.

“KKCW will feature one of the longest city waterfront boardwalks in Asia and is poised to become the city’s prime tourist attraction, making it an integral part of Sabah’s hospitality industry.

‘‘The KKCW project will no doubt attract higher-yielding tourists as it aims to be among the world’s great seafront destinations,” he said.

“The KKCW development is in line with SDC’s and DBKK’s overall urbanisation and development masterplan which is primarily to increase the role of coastal cities as catalysts for modernisation and development in Sabah,” Reymee added.

He said the development was envisaged after conducting detailed studies of thriving world-class international waterfront attractions such as Darling Harbour in Australia, Cape Town Waterfront in South Africa, Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong, Canary Ward in London and Clark Quay Riverside in Singapore.

MALAYSIAN

February 2nd, 2008, 05:18 AM

2008-01-30
New Straits Times

KOTA KINABALU: Poverty in the interior districts of Nabawan, Tenom, Tambunan and Keningau could be a thing of the past within two years.

Thanks to a Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB) scheme to cultivate biofuel crop jatropha curcas on a commercial basis, the 3,000-odd hardcore poor families there could look forward to a sustainable income.

All they need to do is work on a 3ha land to be provided by the state-owned SLDB and diligently tend to their plot to reap the harvests.

The project is a joint-venture between the SLDB and three foreign companies from Japan, Korea and the United States and is part of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) initiative.

The memoranda of the joint-venture was signed on Tuesday in conjunction with the launching of the SDC by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The venture would involve investments of RM320 million by the Nihon Biotech of Japan, TKM Korea Biofuels Resources and local- based American company Kelana Stabil Sdn Bhd.

SLDB general manager Jhuvarri Majid said the immediate plans were to proceed with its nursery on a 10ha land.

skyscraperboy

February 4th, 2008, 09:58 AM

From The Edge

Strengthening Sabah’s infrastructure and logistics

The much-awaited Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) was launched last Tuesday and it was no coincidence that it was held at Sabah’s newest port, Sepangar Bay Container Port (SBCP).

The SDC blueprint has identified strategies to make “The Land Below the Wind” a regional trading hub through modern infrastructure and logistics.

The logistics element is one of the strategies aimed at addressing the current high cost of doing business in the state.
The strategy for cost reduction is three-pronged:

* Lowering freight and logistical costs through a progressive review of the Cabotage Policy for shipping;
* Enhancing the cost competitiveness of ports in Sabah via alliances with other global port operators and shipping liners; and
* Establishing the Sepangar Free Zone (SFZ), which is annexed to SBCP, by providing attractive incentives to potential investors to set up their manufacturing facilities and distributions in SFZ.
Subsequently, the new SBCP and part of Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) will be positioned as the main logistics hub and free trade zone to act as the catalyst and support for industrial development.

Apart from growing domestic trade, the port will also be a catalyst to international trade, including boosting transhipment of goods between Southeast Asia (Brunei and the Philippines) and North Asia (Japan, Korea and China).
The SDC blueprint will also position Sandakan as the regional trading hub in Borneo by expanding the role of Sandakan Integrated Trade Exchange Terminal (SITExT) to leverage on the Asean Free Trade Area.

The expansion of the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is set to complement SBCP to make the state’s capital city its main gateway, providing efficient air and sea linkages to regional markets.

Currently, Terminal 1 of KKIA is used for regular fare airlines, while Terminal 2 is for low-cost carriers. The upgraded Terminal 1 will be able to cater to 10 million passengers annually, and Terminal 2 will be transformed into a full-fledged cargo terminal.

KKIA will also be able to cope with the anticipated increase in cargo volume, which, in 2006, was 19.2 million kg, an increase of 10.5% over 2005 figures, while cargo loaded rose 11.1% to 18.5 million kg in the same period.

Also in the pipeline is the expansion of the Sandakan airport, currently considered a second eastern gateway to Sabah.
A new airport in Lahad Datu is also being considered to accommodate Airbus 320 size aircraft which will support the development of aquaculture and tourism.
According to officials from Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, KKIA is expected to attract more flights to and from Sabah, especially from the Far East, such as Hong Kong, China and Korea, and Australia.

Improving road networks
Sabah’s rugged terrain poses a challenge for inter-connectivity via its road systems. Its central sub-region is separated by the Crocker Range, forming a natural barrier to better road connectivity between the central and western sub-regions.

As such, the major towns of Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Tawau and Keningau are not well inter-connected compared with the road network in Peninsular Malaysia.

As of 2005, only 38.9% of Sabah’s 1,428km of federal roads and 14, 249km of state roads were tarred compared with 89.4% for tarred roads in Peninsular Malaysia.

The SDC blueprint projects 80% of all gravel roads to be tarred within its 18-year implementation. The master plan will also involve major road projects linking central Sabah to the south, north and western sub-regions.

This is in line with the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP), under which RM3.19 billion has been allocated for road networks.

Similarly, under the rural roads programme of the 9MP, more roads of minimum JKR standards will be constructed to improve the transportation of agricultural produce.

The roads are expected to increase accessibility to tourism areas in the eastern sub-region such as Lahad Datu and Maliau, while upgraded roads from Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park to Sepangar Bay will enable transportation of container cargo.

In addition, the programme will be expanded to connect resettlement areas to rural industrial areas and estates to enhance the mobility of the rural population who work in these areas, thereby contributing towards reducing the development gap between urban and rural areas.

Powering up Sabah
Currently, Sabah’s electricity coverage is 67% of the population. By 2010, the forecast demand growth of electricity will be in the region of 7.7%, pushing power producers to increase their overall coverage to 90%.

However, Sabah’s electricity network, especially in rural areas, is not as reliable as that in other parts of Malaysia, and its distribution network requires reinforcement.

Nonetheless, reinforcement has already started with the ongoing construction of the new East-West transmission grid, which will stabilise power supply to the east coast. A new 190MW gas-based plant will also be commissioned this year.

To meet the demand as well as improve the reliability of supply for the east coast, a 300MW plant will be constructed in Lahad Datu. The coal-fired plant is being undertaken by Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) and is slated to be operational in 2010.

SESB managing director Baharin Din said: “The power base in Sabah is still small. As such, we welcome the SDC implementation as we believe it will provide support for infrastructure to the rural areas.”

He said besides working with the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development under the Rural Electrification Programme, SESB will channel profits from industrialised areas to provide electricity supply to rural areas in Sabah.

Quenching Sabah’s thirst
Concurrently, the SDC blueprint will also address the issue of water supply shortage in rural areas, which is mainly due to the lack of infrastructure and water sources, besides costly implementation works.

Along with the 9MP, in which a total RM1.3 billion has been allocated to the State Water Department to undertake construction of water projects such as the Milau Dam and water treatment plants, including those in Tuaran, Papar, Kudat and Sandakan, the SDC master plan will implement more groundwater extraction and rainwater harvesting systems in rural areas.

Additionally, it will also focus on reducing non-revenue water that arises from leakages from pipes and pilferage by replacing pipe and meters and mapping distribution networks using the geographical information system.

Virtual connections
Throughout its implementation, the SDC will ensure that Sabah keeps abreast with information and communications technology (ICT) developments to increase the state’s competitiveness and narrow its rural-urban digital divide.

The blueprint involves an expenditure of RM60 million in improving telecommunication networks in new development areas.

It includes a high-speed broadband project, with the setting up of more Wi-Fi hotspots to encourage higher data connectivity and broadband penetration. In the long term, it is expected that WiMAX will also be introduced in Sabah.

Enhancing human capital
The SDC implementation would not be holistic if human capital does not move in tandem with its development plans. Hence, the blueprint will also focus on streamlining human capital requirements to meet local supply.

In line with the second thrust of the National Mission, it will strengthen capacity building in order to develop knowledgeable and skilled human capital to move towards a knowledge-based economy.

One such initiative is the Sandakan education hub, which will cover a total area of 548.75ha of institutions of higher learning, research centres, private colleges and polytechnics.

To date, five colleges have expressed interest in establishing campuses there — including Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman (KTAR).

The hub will also provide infrastructure for agriculture, forestry ecological research, and be a key component of the Agrobio Innovation Zone to drive the biotech, palm oil and downstream manufacturing industries.

Institute for Development Studies for Sabah executive director Datuk Dr Mohd Yaakub Johari said: “The education hub will build talents, especially for Sabah’s agriculture sector such as the palm oil industry.

“We can spawn on management and research and development talents, which can help drive the palm oil sector to higher degrees of development and provide value-added products.”

haze

February 5th, 2008, 03:23 AM

Nation
Tuesday February 5, 2008

KK promises an eco-friendly waterfront project

OVER the last few decades the narrow shoreline of the once serene coastal town of Kota Kinabalu (KK) has changed.

What KK was, in the 1950s or 1960s, is now almost unrecognisable to those who grew up close to it.

It has rapidly changed its face over the last three decades with most of the city centre built on reclaimed land.

Today, Kota Kinabalu City Hall is striving to strike a balance in preserving its old environment, while pushing for development to make the city a world-class leisure and tourism spot, in line with the objectives of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC).

This rainforest city of over 300,000 people will play the leading role as the gateway to Sabah, which aims to be one of the most liveable places in Asia.

For city planners it is also crucial that the city is ready to impress and help the state woo some RM105bil in development projects for investments under the SDC’s 18-year overall economic development plan.

Environmentalist, however, are worried about pushing Kota Kinabalu's shoreline further into the sea as they believe further changes would bring irreparable consequences to city’s very own treasure.

Their concern is on the proposed Kota Kinabalu waterfront project that offers to transform Kota Kinabalu into an integrated mixed development along a section of the Kota Kinabalu town’s coastline.

The Kota Kinabalu City Waterfront, expected to be completed by 2010, will feature the key attraction of a 2km long boardwalk, built using eco-friendly materials rising above the sea on stilts.

Waterfront Urban Development Sdn Bhd (WUD) is carrying out the entire project in collaboration with Kota Kinabalu City (DBKK).

The project is among those identified under the SDC that aims to make Sabah a major destination for both leisure and business tourism and has also caught the attention of Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Bhd (KFHMB) and a consortium of Middle Eastern and Malaysian investors.

At the launch of the SDC, a tripartite agreement was signed between WUD, KFH and Intonasi Intan Sdn Bhd witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi

WUD managing director Reymee Mohamed Hussein said the development would incorporate environmentally friendly features like hi-tech LED lighting, energy conserving air conditioning systems and solar powered pedestrian lighting along the boardwalk.

Reymee, together with Geoffrey P.J. Lee, conceptualised the Kota Kinabalu City Waterfront development masterplan with DBKK.

He gave the assurance that there would be no reclamation work.

“It is primarily to increase the role of a coastal city like Kota Kinabalu to become a catalystfor the modernisation and development in Sabah,” said Reymee, adding that the RM500mil project was conceptualised after studying several thriving world class international waterfront attractions like Darling Harbour (Australia), Cape Town Waterfront (South Africa), Victoria Harbour (Hong Kong), Canary Wharf (London) and Clark Quay Riverside (Singapore).

The development will also spur economic growth for Kota Kinabalu and provide employment and new business opportunities to local residents and businesses.

“Kota Kinabalu City Waterfront will feature one of the longest city waterfront boardwalks in Asia and is poised to become the city’s prime tourist attraction. It will be an integral part of Sabah’s hospitality industry,” Reymee said.

Sabah Environment Protection Association president Datuk Sue Jayasuriya said there was a need to ensure that any development did not turn the rainforest city into a concrete jungle.

rizalhakim

February 5th, 2008, 08:29 AM

rizalhakim

February 29th, 2008, 04:50 AM

KFH in talks on projects in Sabah Development Corridor

KUALA LUMPUR: Kuwait Finance House (M) Bhd (KFH) is in talks with 10 to 12 companies eyeing projects in the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC).

Managing director Datuk K. Salman Younis said it was talking to the companies about different financing opportunities.

“It is an ongoing process, and hopefully before year-end, the deals will start happening,” he told reporters after KFH signed a master terms of reference agreement with Calyon London to conclude an Ijarah Rental Swap-i (IRS-i) transaction yesterday.

Salman said the companies were interested to get financing for projects such as logging, deforestation, real estate and infrastructure.

The IRS-i would enable clients to hedge their market risk exposure through employing a fully syariah-compliant structure. It is designed to the unique needs of the client, with tenures varying in accordance to the preference of the client.

“The KFH IRS-i will enable our customers to effectively hedge against the risk market rate exposure.

“Companies can convert either their fixed or floating rate cash flow commitments into more manageable rate exposure suitable with their risk appetite, which will help mitigate the occurrence of any negative impact to volatility and uncertainty in the movement of market rates,” he said.

built_in_me

February 29th, 2008, 10:59 AM

hmmmmm not bad....

rizalhakim

March 3rd, 2008, 07:40 AM

KFH in talks with 12 Sabah firms for financing deals
by Ellina Badri
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Bhd is in talks to provide financing deals to about 12 companies in Sabah operating across different sectors.

Its managing director and chief executive officer Datuk K Salman Younis said the deals would fall under the Sabah Development Corridor, which was launched in January.

KFH had then announced it was in talks to finance two projects related to the infrastructure and real estate sectors.

“We have executed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with one party, and are in negotiations with another party. We are now in final negotiations with the party that we signed the MoU with but nothing has been finalised as yet,” Salman said.

He said KFH hoped for the MoU to bear furit next month, and for the second deal to materialise in the second half.

On its ongoing negotiations with the 12 companies in Sabah, Salman said: “We already have some customers in Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu and are talking to a number of companies about different financing opportunities.”

He said the companies were involved in logging and reforestation, plywood, real estate and energy. He added that the focus would also be on the palm oil sector.

“We are talking to about 10 to 12 big companies and the deals will start happening before the end of this year,” he said.

Salman was speaking to reporters after inking a deal with Calyon London to conclude an Ijarah rental swaps-I transaction.

“An innovation of the KFHMB treasury division, the KFH Ijarah rental swap-I is a risk management tool which marries the demands of Islamic capital market users, who intend to actively manage cash flows arising from either assets or liabilities, with the strict Shariah standards governing Islamic finance activities,” he said.

The product enables customers to hedge against the risks market rate exposure. Customers can convert either their fixed or floating rate cash flow commitments into a manageable rate exposure suitable for their risk appetite and which would, help to mitigate volatility in the movement of market rates.

It can be used in conjunction with any variable or fixed Ijarah-based facility, such as contract financing, project financing, auto financing, asset acquisition financing or sukuk.

The underlying activities under this structure originated from swapping a fixed rental payment/receipts under the Ijarah structure with a floating rental payment/receipt; or vice versa.

Salman said the product was one of the first of its kind created in Malaysia and KFH had started marketing it overseas.

MALAYSIAN

April 4th, 2008, 06:25 PM

BERNAMA

KOTA KINABALU, Fri.:

The Sabah government has allowed all the relevant authorities to take a re-look at the new submission for the proposed Kota Kinabalu waterfront project - one of the key projects under the Sabah Corridor Development (SDC) blueprint - before making the final decision.

State Tourism, Culture & Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said today the decision was reached after the state Cabinet deliberated on the matter recently.

Asked whether the project will go on as planned, Masidi said the state government has to wait for the comments from the relevant authorities or departments but fell short of saying that the proposed project has been rejected.

"The state Cabinet has made it clear that no form of reclamation is allowed in moves to develop the Kota Kinabalu waterfront,” he told reporters here.

Last Jan 29, Waterfront Urban Development Sdn Bhd (WUD) unveiled the Kota Kinabalu City Waterfront (KKCW) development in collaboration with the Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu.

An agreement on the project was signed here between WUD, Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Bhd and a consortium of Middle Eastern and Malaysian investors.

The RM500 million Kota Kinabalu City Waterfront, within the SDC, is an integrated mixed seafront development in the city centre.

Expected to be completed by 2010, it will feature, among others, a 2-km long boardwalk built with eco-friendly materials rising above the sea on stilts.

Asked whether the parties concerned are required to submit a new development plan which is different from the original one, Masidi replied in the affirmative.

"It is a new submission altogether. Right now it (the project) is going through the normal process of evaluation by all the relevant authorities,” he said.

According to the SDC’s socio-economic blueprint prepared by the Institute for Development Studies (Sabah) (IDS) made available to the media recently, the waterfront areas of Kota Kinabalu and their hinterland are being rehabilitated and developed into a world-class waterfront city.

Once fully completed, the Kinabalu Harbour Front, stretching from Tanjung Aru to One Borneo in Likas, is poised to become the new landscape for Kota Kinabalu city like the Sydney harbour in Australia.

According to the blueprint, the RM2 billion Jesselton Waterfront will be completed over 15 years and feature a myriad of facilities meeting commercial, residential, entertainment, retail, accommodation and convention needs.

The SDC, the brainchild of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, intended to accelerate development in the state. It is among five economic corridors that are aimed at ensuring balanced growth throughout the country.
:banana::banana::banana:

rizalhakim

April 9th, 2008, 11:05 AM

Dubai Group invests in Malaysian plant
Published: 2008/04/09

The financial-services unit of Dubai Investment Group will pay US$49.5 million for a stake in GBD Investment which has a biodiesel plant in Sabah

Dubai Group, the financial-services unit of Dubai Investment Group, bought a 30 per cent stake in a Malaysian biodiesel company for US$49.5 million to help the venture expand capacity and develop new estates.

GBD Investment Ltd has a 200,000 metric ton biodiesel plant in Sabah, the largest in Southeast Asia, Dubai Group said in an e-mailed statement today.

GBD Investment uses both palm oil and jatropha to produce biodiesel, it said. The proceeds from Dubai Group’s investment will be used to boost output capacity and develop jatropha plantations in the Philippines.

Asian biodiesel companies are seeking alternative crops to use as feedstock after crude palm oil prices rose to a record. Jatropha is a hardy plant that produces seeds containing an oil that can be converted to methyl esters and used in biodiesel. Unlike palm oil, it’s not edible.

The jatropha plantations, which will cover up to 200,000 hectares (494,200 acres), will have a potential annual production of 750,000 tons of crude oil, Dubai Group said.

Boeing Co, the world’s second-largest maker of commercial aircraft, is among companies examining jatropha’s potential energy use. GEM BioFuels Plc, which grows jatropha in Madagascar, was selling the oil at about US$500 a ton, compared with palm oil, which traded at RM3,393 (US$1,066) a ton in Malaysia today. - Bloomberg

TYW

June 7th, 2008, 04:05 PM

KK City Waterfront

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/7458/kotakinabalucitywaterfrvd5.jpg

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/8785/kotakinabalucitywaterfruu8.jpg

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/552/kotakinabalucitywaterfrgs8.jpg

nazrey

July 12th, 2008, 06:59 PM

SDC Capable Of Bringing RM105 Billion In Investments, Says Musa
May 05, 2008 17:32 PM

KOTA KINABALU, May 5 (Bernama) -- Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the Sabah Development Corridor is capable of pulling in potential investments of RM105 billion with more than 900,000 jobs created during its 18-year tenure.

He said the state government's economy is also expected to go up by four times to RM63.2 billion by 2025, compared with RM15.1 billion in 2005.

The SDC plan rests on three main principles namely capitalising of high value economic activities, encouraging a balanced and evenly distributed economic growth and ensuring sustainable development through environment conservation.

"I am certain that the SDC will bring multifold benefits to the state and people of Sabah," he said in reply to a question from Datuk Louis Rampas (BN-Kiulu) during the Question and Answer session at the Sabah State Legislative Council meet here Monday.

He said several Government Linked Companies (GLCs) in Sabah such as the Sabah Foundation, Sabah Economic Development Corporation and Sawit Kinabalu, Petronas, Sime Darby, Kumpulan Suria, Felcra, Felda, Sabah Land Development Board and Sabah Rubber Industry Board already have plans for several high impact projects to invest in SDC with their estimated investment amount coming to RM15 billion in worth as todate.

These high impact projects include the construction of a convention centre, resort, planting of food, rubber and jatrofa plantations, livestock, acquacultures well as processing of diesel and production of biodiesel and production of oil and natural gas.

Musa who is also State Finance Minister said several groups such as UEMGroup, Technology Park Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia and Marditech Corporation were also showing interest to get involved in SDC, especially in the development of infrastructures, production of high quality food and new products.

He said several agencies from the Federal Government have had series of discussions to discuss in detail their participation in SDC initiatives especially the development of human capital, research and development facility and the development of small and medium sized industries and new entrepreneurs.

"Representatives from several foreign embassies in Malaysia including Denmark, France, Brunei, Korea and Japan have also expressed their interest to participate in SDC.

"Investors from Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Australia and Middle East have also indicated their interest to invest in SDC. They are of the opinion that SDC has greate potential for the tourism sector, agro industries and natural iol and gas sector," he said.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

July 17th, 2008, 04:50 PM

Dubai Keen On Agricultural Cooperation With Sabah
July 14, 2008 21:10 PM
By Muin Abdul Majid

DUBAI, July 14 (Bernama) -- Dubai is keen to cooperate with Sabah in the agriculture sector as part of a broader objective to secure food supplies amid concerns over rising food prices in the emirate and in the Middle East.

This was conveyed during a meeting between members of a Sabah trade and investment mission and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry here recently.

Dubai Chamber general advisor Nizar Sardast described the climate in Sabah as suitable for agricultural activities.

"Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Arab countries in general are looking at ways to address the issue of food supply.

"And I think, perhaps, we can cooperate in this field. The matter should be considered seriously," he told the Sabah delegation led by Datuk Wong Khen Thau, president of Federation of Sabah Manufacturers.

Reports indicated that the UAE and its emirates are taking a slew of measures to improve their food security.

Abu Dhabi, for example, plans to develop 30,000 hectares of farmland in Sudan, Africa's biggest country, in a strategy to improve food security in the emirate.

The UAE is also pursuing investments in farmland and other agricultural business projects in Egypt in an attempt to secure strategic food reserves.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

July 26th, 2008, 06:09 AM

SLDB Says It Can Help Sabah Reach Self Sufficiency In Rice Production By 2020
July 25, 2008 17:30 PM

KOTA KINABALU, July 25 (Bernama) -- The Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB) says it can help the state reach self-sufficiency in rice production by 2020 by producing almost 50 per cent of the annual requirement.

But holding back the state-owned agency, whose core business is oil palm and smallholder schemes, is that it does not have a land of its own to develop.

"Give us the land and SLDB will put it to good use by planting food crops, essentially paddy.

"We have the resources and capabilities but lack the most essential asset - arable land that can be converted for food production. Without the land, there is nothing much we can do to assist the government attain self-sufficiency and cut down food imports," said outgoing Chairman, Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, a fact concurred by his replacement, Datuk Sapawi Ahmad

Kurup and Sapawi, who is also the MP for Sipitang was speaking at a press conference here today after Kurup, who is now Deputy Minister for Rural Development, officially handed over his duties as SLDB Chairman, to Sapawi.

Earlier, they were briefed on SLDB's current operations and successes by General Manager, Mr Jhuvarri Majid, who also touched on the agency's diversification plans to go into production of both food crops as well as essential commodities.

SLDB is suggesting that all suitable land for paddy cultivation be parked in its land bank for the purpose of cultivation of paddy and other food crops if necessary, in the future.

SLDB has set up a 100 per cent owned subsidiary, Padiberas Sabah Sdn Bhd to cultivate paddy on some 26,500 hectares of land, following a directive by the State government. Sabah imports almost 70 per cent of its rice requirements.

The agency has been offered 6,000 hectares of land in the Sook plains for padi cultivation and a feasibility study is now being carried out.

"The government must help us source the remaining 20,000 hectares as soon as possible," said Sapawi, adding that he would brief Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman on the situation as the land issue was an urgent matter.

It is believed that there are some 800,000 hectares of arable land in Sabah that could be developed with food crops.

"With 26,500 hectares of land and assuming we go for one and a half crops a year and a yield out of six tons per hectare, we can produce 143,100 metric tonnes of rice a year and this figure will increase when we do double cropping and increase paddy output per hectare," said Sapawi.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

July 28th, 2008, 12:31 PM

Sabah Confident Its Poverty Rate Could Be Greatly Reduced By 2010
July 28, 2008 14:52 PM

KOTA KINABALU, July 28 (Bernama) -- A lot needs to be tackled to achieve zero-poverty in Sabah by 2010.

Even if the state rural development ministry is unable to achieve zero-poverty by that year, it is confident of greatly reducing the poverty rate by then, said minister Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan.

The deputy chief minister said although the target year was a little over a year from now, the state government was committed to go all out within that short period of time to make a great difference in the number of poor and hardcore poor in the state.

"If we ask for the federal government to make an exception for Sabah, say extend the target year from 2010 to 2015, we fear our commitment will also deteriorate.

"If we cannot achieve zero poverty by that year, at least we want to know that we are heading towards it.

"Eradicating poverty completely is not an easy task. But we see this as a necessity and it must be done no matter what," he said.

Pairin was speaking to reporters here Monday after the handing-over ceremony of two Mini Estet Sejahtera (Mesej) projects to be managed by Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB).

Explaining why the government would not ask the federal government to give Sabah a target year later than 2010, Pairin said the government feared the Poverty Line Income would go up and push more poor into the hardcore poor category.

"The poverty line used to be RM435 per month. Now, it is has gone up to RM540 per month. If it goes up again in a year or two, taking into account of all the price hike of goods, then we will be in big trouble.

"But we dont want to use the ever-changing economic situation as an excuse to delay our efforts in improving the peoples lives," he said.

As of September last year, Pairin said there were 21,514 hardcore poor in the state and the rate was diminishing.

Earlier, the ministry handed over two Mesej projects to SLDB whereby the estates, Kampung Bunang, Keningau and Diwata, Lahad Datu, would be developed with oil palm plantation to benefit the hardcore poor there.

-- BERNAMA

rizalhakim

September 29th, 2008, 05:27 AM

Resort puts visitors in touch with ecology
By : Jaswinder Kaur

http://www.nst.com.my/Monday/National/2362570/insidepix1
A visitor holding a starfish and other sea creatures at the Marine Ecology Research Centre’s ‘touch tank’. The tank is a hit among children as they can touch and hold the marine organisms living in it. — NST picture by Edmund Samunting

KOTA KINABALU: Responding to the growing threat to marine life, and the push for businesses to be more environment-friendly, an island resort has set up a research centre and a programme to rehabilitate corals and fish injured by trawler nets.

The Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC) at the Gayana Eco Resort also teaches its guests about the island's ecosystems and the need to conserve them.

This is part of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) blueprint, as the state moves to boost its economy through tourism.

MERC director Alvin Wong said a key programme was the breeding of giant clams, which in the past had ended up on the tables of seafood restaurants and displayed as ornamental pieces.

He said seven of the eight species of giant clams in the world were being monitored and bred at the centre, including two which had been classified as locally extinct.

"Giant clams are important in the ecosystem as they take in harmful waste nutrients and expel clean water into the environment.

"They grow slowly and have a minimal defence system which makes them highly vulnerable to natural enemies or human threats, such as unsustainable collection, which have accelerated extinction rates."

The centre at Malohom Bay in Pulau Gaya, 15 minutes by speedboat from the city, has also started a Coral Restoration Programme to restore the reefs around the resort that have fallen victim to destructive fishing methods, sedimentation and pollution from the mainland.

Wong said an artificial reef structure connected to low voltage electricity had been built to encourage the growth of corals.

"The current encourages dissolved minerals to crystalise on the surface of the structure.

"This layer is the same mineral that makes up the natural skeleton of coral reefs.

"Corals rapidly colonise the encrusted structure and grow quickly because the electrical current also attracts vital minerals and nutrients."

Under the programme, visitors can also replant hard coral fragments found around the bay.

Wong said the centre had also built tanks replicating the mangroves and sea grass beds around the island to teach visitors about its ecosystem.

"We want our visitors to see the massive root systems of the mangroves which protect the coast from erosion and storms, and provide an environment for many commercially important species of fish.

"Sea grass beds are another ecosystem we want to teach people about.

"Important species such as dugong and sea horses feed on sea grass."

The centre also has a "touch tank" where children can touch and hold marine organisms such as starfish.

rizalhakim

October 15th, 2008, 09:49 AM

Sabah Development Corridor too quiet after launch
by Sharon Tan
Email us your feedback at fd@bizedge.com

KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah has yet to see “a single grain of sand moved” at the proposed Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) despite its launch about a year ago, said Datuk Ghapur Salleh (Kalabakan-BN).

“Not a single grain of sand has been moved. Why have we been forsaken? Maybe at that time it was a sweetener for Sabah because of (the general) election,” said Ghapur, when fielding a supplementary question in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

“RM5 billion was promised (to the SDC) but I want to know if the money has been given, will be given or will not be given,” he added.

Ghapur also lamented that while Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) was spearheading the development of a corridor in the peninsula, the corridor in Sabah was spearheaded by state government companies that had no funds.

The House roared with laughter when Ghapur asked Mana keadilan? to which Parti Keadilan Rakyat MPs shouted Sini, sini. Retorting with a smile, Ghapur said he was referring to the literal meaning of the word, not the opposition party.

“When the YAB (prime minister) goes to Sabah, he announced billions (of ringgit worth) of extra projects. Has it been given? I don’t see it in the budget,” said Ghapur.

Minister in the Prime Minister Department Senator Tan Sri Amirsham A Aziz, who was answering questions on behalf of the prime minister, earned Ghapur’s ire when he decided not to answer the question as it was not related to the original question on the East Coast Economic Corridor.

“The minister in the prime minister’s department should have all the answers in his head. If this is what it looks like, he does not deserve to be here as a minister,” roared Ghapur, who was cut short by deputy speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandee when he called the next MP to field his question.

nazrey

November 21st, 2008, 11:03 AM

Sabah Continuing To Attract Investments Amid Economic Uncertainty
November 20, 2008 19:53 PM

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- Sabah is still performing well in attracting investments amid the current uncertain economic climate.

Minister of Industrial Development, Datuk Ewon Ebin, in winding up the debate on the state 2009 Budget, said Sabah has continued to bring in investors particularly those wanting to set up domestic-oriented small and medium sized businesses with focus on import alternatives and products based on local natural resources.

"For the period January till October 2008, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry has given approvals and licenses to 53 manufacturing projects in Sabah with an investment value of RM1.1 billion, compared with 42 projects with suggested investment of RM2.7 billion in the same period last year.

"Although the investment value was higher last year, the amount received till October this year is still very impressive especially in the current economic situation which has been uncertain since early this year," he told the Sabah State Legislative Assembly (DUN) here Thursday.

He said in terms of interest from the investors, food was the major subsector in focus for foreign and local investors with 12 projects enjoying investments amounting to RM169.7 million.

This was followed by the subsectors of timber, metals, electric and electronics, transportation, chemicals, non metal minerals, plastic, paper and print and furniture.

He said his ministry was allocated RM40.966 million for 2009 to cover the costs of managing and implementing industrial and entrepreneurship programmes such as that approved under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

nazrey

November 27th, 2008, 11:17 AM

Sabah Set To Become Biggest Producer Of Aquaculture Products By 2010
November 27, 2008 16:58 PM

TAWAU, Nov 27 Nov (Bernama) -- Sabah has the potential to become the biggest producer of aquaculture products in the country by 2010, said Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Yahya Hussin.

Yahya, who is also the state Agriculture and Food Industry Minister, said this was based on the forecast on the output of aquaculture products by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia of 207,200 metric tonnes valued at RM2.5 billion for the period.

He said by 2010 Sabah was expected to produce 33,000 metric tonnes of seawater prawns worth RM1.06 billion, marine fish (30,700 metric tonnes; RM1.23 billion), freshwater fish (12,700 metric tonnes; RM125 million), cockles (6,000 metric tonnes; RM28 million) and seaweed (125,000 metric tonnes; RM24 million).

"The targets set by the department are expected to make the state the biggest producer of aquaculture products by 2010.

"The state, with vast areas that are suitable for aquaculture, has the potential to become the centre for aquaculture and this potential has been recognised by the department," he said at the launch of state Aquaculture Licensing Programme here Thursday.

The text of his speech was read by the minister's assistant, Datuk Bobbey Suan.

Yahya said based on the study by the Fisheries Department, 491,359 hectares in the country were suitable for aquaculture, of which 182,260ha, or 37 percent, were in Sabah.

He said the state fisheries department would formulate various policies and strategic plans to achieve the targets.

"One of the plans is to set up a 63,342ha Aquaculture Industrial Zone," he said.

He said 24,400ha would be use to cultivate seaweed, rearing of marine fish in cages (4,380ha), mollusc, including cockles and invertebrates (14,700ha), crustacean, including seawater prawns (17,212ha), brackish water fish (2,390ha) and freshwater fish (260ha).

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

November 28th, 2008, 11:08 PM

Improved power supply for Sabah after 2012
Friday, 28 November, 2008

Kota Kinabalu: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah said electricity supply in Sabah will only stabilise after 2012 when the new power generation project comes on stream.

According to him, the projected average increase in demand for electricity is between eight and nine per cent annually.

"The reserve margin based on the dependable capacity in Sabah is smaller compared to the reserve margin in the peninsula," he said in a speech delivered by Assistant Minister Datuk Michael Asang at the opening of a Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) seminar here.

Hence, to address the rising energy cost and weather changes and to ensure energy security, efficient energy use is the best strategy.

Efficient energy usage through "demand-side management", he said, is an approach used by many countries to ensure energy security in the respective nations. However, such strategy required active involvement of all sectors such as the Government, industrial sector and the public.

"Everyone must cooperate and play their respective roles for the benefit of the country and the world."

Malaysia, he said, is fortunate to have natural energy resources such as oil and gas which are being used in the economic sector such as transportation, generation of electricity and industry, among others.

However, this fossil-based energy would not last forever as proven by the depleting gas resource in the country to generate electricity for the nation.

Tan said power generation in Sabah involved 32 per cent being generated through the use of diesel and another 37 per cent by gas. But with fossil fuel depleting and new sources not explored yet, they must use the natural resources efficiently.

He said this is in line with the 1979 National Energy Policy that encourages efficient use of energy to avoid wastage in electricity consumption. "The reduction in demand (for electricity) following efficient use of energy practice would ensure the power supply would be secured."

He said savings on electricity could have a big impact on Sabah whose power supply is unstable. Efficient energy is prudent use of energy without sacrificing consumer comfort. This is applied by choosing the correct energy efficient electronic equipment such as refrigerator, computer and television, among others. Another method is through raising consumer awareness on efficient use of energy.

Tan said there are many benefits to efficient use of energy such as reducing payment of electricity bills and the money saved could be used for other beneficial expenses.

Also present were Secretary-General to the Energy, Water and Communication Ministry and Loo Took Gee and State Economic Planning Unit director Datuk Dr Mohd Fowzi Razi.

nazrey

December 1st, 2008, 03:23 AM

More power supply in Sabah by 2012
Monday December 1, 2008

KOTA KINABALU: More power supply will be available in Sabah by 2012 once a 300mW gas powered power generation plant is operational in Kimanis about 70km from the city.

The joint venture project between state owned Yayasan Sabah and Petronas Gas is the first by product of the multi-billion ringgit Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal (SOGT).

Petronas Gas would hold a 60% stake with Yaysan Sabah holding the remaining 40% equity in the joint venture company following an agreement signed between both groups here recently witnessed by Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman.

In his speech, Musa said the state government had been holding discussions with Petronas since 2006 on the development of the Sabah’s petrochemical industry that include a masterplan for downstream gas industries.

”We intend to work closely with Petronas to develop all possibilities in the oil and gas sector,” he said in adding that the outcome of a Petronas study on the matter was expected to be known by next month.

Musa said though these initiatives were not well known, it should not be construed that the state government was “not doing anything.”

”All announcements on government plans will be done at an appropriate time when key aspects of projects have been finalised and can be implemented.

”We do not want to make announcements for political mileage or vested interests,” he added.

Musa later told reporters that state leaders had proposed a review of a 1976 agreement between the state and federal government on oil royalty payments to Sabah.

”While we await for a final decision on the matter and the absence of any increases in oil royalties, Sabah has been receiving increased allocations from the federal government,” he said.

Citing an example, he said federal funding for the state under the Ninth Malaysia Plan amounted to RM20bil while Sabah Development Corridor was allocated RM2.3bil.

”Billions of ringgit are being poured in for poverty eradication, rural development, health and education,” he added.

rizalhakim

December 16th, 2008, 05:18 AM

Special unit to keep an eye on Sabah projects

KUDAT: Sabah wants local au**thorities to set up a special unit to investigate and monitor the safety of all development pro*jects.

State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor said that this was necessary as public safety was a key issue in any development project, particularly the high-risk ones.

“My ministry will prepare a Cabinet paper to allow for the setting up of a special unit comprising professionals.

“Such a unit is necessary to find solutions to problems arising from big and high-risk development projects,” said Hajiji at the opening of a seminar for officers in local authorities here yesterday.

He added that the unit could also monitor and investigate structures as well as check on the electrical wiring of buildings, including old structures.

Hajiji said the unit would comprise experts from the Public Works Department, Drainage and Irrigation De**partment, Environ*ment De**partment and other relevant agencies.

Citing the recent Bukit Antara*bangsa landslide incident, Hajiji told local government officials not to approve development projects in high-risk areas.

“A detailed study must be carried out and development guidelines should be issued if ever there is a need to carry out development in high-risk areas,” he added.

nazrey

January 26th, 2009, 08:15 AM

Sabah aims to move forward
Monday January 26, 2009

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government is determined that its planned development projects will be carried out despite the gloomy global economic outlook.

“We intend to weather the storm,” said Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman in his Chinese New Year message.

In this regard, he said the impetus for the state’s progress would be the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) launched by the Prime Minister just over a year ago.

“The SDC leverages the agriculture, manufacturing and services sector with the aim of bringing balanced growth to all regions of the state,” Musa added.

Noting that several SDC projects were off the ground, he said the state government was excited at the prospect of more investments in the development corridor.

“The Federal Government realises that Sabah is a large state with a difficult terrain and remote settlements and for this reason has poured in funds so that the people will have better schools, medical facilities and roads,” he added.

Musa also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment towards safeguarding natural resources and cultural strengths as Sabah moved forward in terms of development.

“Sabah may be slow in making its presence felt in the region but we are now making use of its diverse natural heritage and rich culture to stand out,” he added.

nazrey

April 26th, 2009, 09:00 AM

Kerajaan Sabah pelawa pelabur China melabur di SDC
26/04/2009 1:21pm

PENAMPANG 26 April — Kerajaan Sabah mempelawa para pelabur dari China supaya mengambil bahagian dalam pelbagai projek di bawah Koridor Pembangunan Sabah (SDC) yang bermatlamat untuk mengubah negeri ini menjadi tempat yang paling selesa dihuni menjelang 2025.

“Saya berharap para pelabur dari China akan berkongsi dengan kita pengalaman mereka mengubah China menjadi sebuah ekonomi yang maju dalam tempoh yang singkat,” kata Ketua Menteri Datuk Seri Musa Aman dalam ucapan sempena sambutan ulangan tahun ke-35 persahabatan Malaysia-China melalui jayawara jalinan budaya di sini malam tadi.

Selain pelancongan, terdapat banyak peluang dalam sektor pembuatan dan pertanian yang boleh diceburi oleh para pelabur dari China, katanya.

Musa berkata Sabah mempunyai banyak sumber alam yang menyediakan rakyat dan negeri itu dengan ekonomi sampingan.

“Sebab itu kami kini menekankan kepada keperluan bagi memberi nilai tambah kepada sumber yang ada dengan meneroka sektor pembuatan dan pemprosesan hiliran.

“Dengan kemajuan dalam bidang teknologi dan jumlah tenaga kerja yang berpendidikan, kami yakin Sabah mempunyai banyak peluang daripada nilai tambah kepada sumber yang ada,” katanya.

Katanya kerajaan negeri sedang menimbang pelbagai cara dan usaha baru bagi memacu kemajuan ekonomi yang mampan sementara memulihara sumber semulajadi negeri ini.

Sementara itu, Konsul Besar Republik Rakyat China di Kuching Xie Fugen berkata hubungan antara Malaysia dan China adalah baik dalam semua bidang.

Katanya pada tahun lepas sahaja, jumlah dagangan antara kedua negara itu mencapai US$53.5 bilion.

Xie berkata Malaysia telah menjadi rakan dagang China terbesar di kalangan negara Asean.

“Saya percaya bahawa rancangan memajukan koridor ekonomi dan melaksanakan beberapa langkah bagi menarik pelaburan luar negara dapat menambat hati lebih banyak dari syarikat China untuk melawat Malaysia Timur dan bekerjasama dengan syarikat tempatan.

“Selain itu, terdapat hampir 1,000 pelajar China menuntut di negeri ini dan 400 daripadanya di Universiti Malaysia Sabah.

— BERNAMA

nazrey

April 26th, 2009, 09:01 AM

Sabah Government Seeks China Investors For SDC
April 26, 2009 12:05 PM

PENAMPANG, April 26 (Bernama) -- The Sabah government has invited investors from China to participate in the various projects under the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) which, among other things, aims to turn the state into one of the most liveable places in Asia by 2025.

"I hope investors from China will share with us their expertise in transforming China into an advanced economy in a short span of time," said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman in his speech at the cultural unity roadshow celebrating 35 years of Malaysia-China friendship at the KDCA Hall here last night.

He said that apart from tourism, there were many opportunities in manufacturing and agriculture which investors from China could explore.

Musa said Sabah had many resources that provided the people and the state with economic spin-offs.

"That's why we are now stressing on the need to add value to our resources by venturing into downstream processing and manufacturing. With the advancement in technology and an increasingly educated workforce, I'm sure that Sabah has a lot to gain from adding value to our resources," he said.

He said the state was devising new and better means of accelerating sustainable economic development while conserving its natural resources.

Meanwhile, China's consul general in Kuching, Xie Fugen, said relations between China and Malaysia were good for all-round development.

He said that last year alone, the bilateral trade volume reached US$53.5 billion (about RM192.3 billion).

Xie said Malaysia had become the biggest trading partner of China in Asean.

"I believe that the plan of developing the economic corridor and carrying out new measures on bidding for investment from overseas will attract Chinese companies to visit East Malaysia and cooperate with local companies.

"Besides that, there are nearly a thousand Chinese students studying in East Malaysia, and 400 in Universiti Malaysia Sabah," he added.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

April 29th, 2009, 06:26 AM

Invitations for China ventures in Sabah corridor
Wednesday April 29, 2009

PENAMPANG: The Sabah government has invited investors from China to participate in projects under the Sabah Development Corridor, which aims to turn the state into one of the most liveable places in Asia by 2025.

“I hope the investors will share their expertise gained in transforming China into an advanced economy within a short span,” said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman in his speech at a cultural unity roadshow celebrating 35 years of Malaysia-China friendship at KDCA Hall here recently.

He said, apart from tourism, there were many opportunities in manufacturing and agriculture which the investors could explore.

Musa said that Sabah had many resources that provided the people and the state with economic spin-offs.

“This is why we stress the need to add value to our resources by venturing into downstream processing and manufacturing. With advancements in technology and an increasingly educated workforce, I’m sure that Sabah has a lot to gain from adding value to our resources,” he said.

He said the state was devising better means of accelerating sustainable economic development while conserving its natural resources.

Meanwhile, China’s consul general in Kuching, Xie Fugen, said that relations between China and Malaysia was good for all-round development.

He said that, last year alone, bilateral trade reached US$53.5bil (RM192.3bil).

Xie said that Malaysia had become China’s biggest trading partner in Asean.

“I believe the Sabah Development Corridor and new measures on bidding for investments from overseas will attract Chinese companies to cooperate with East Malaysian companies.

“Besides, there are nearly a thousand Chinese students in East Malaysia of whom 400 are in Universiti Malaysia Sabah,” he added. — Bernama

nazrey

April 30th, 2009, 07:09 AM

Sabah corridor projects on track, says SEDIA chief
Published: 2009/04/30

THE chief executive of Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA), Datuk Dr Mohd Yaakub Johari, has given assurance that the implementation of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) projects are on track.

He was responding to concerns of the public that the implementation of these projects could be delayed in view of the serious economic contraction in major economies such as Japan, the US and the European Union.

He said substantial amount of funds under the SDC projects has already been transferred to the relevant state authority.

"During the interim period, the implementation of the SDC projects had been carried out by the State Economic Planning Unit. This will gradually be handed over to SEDIA once it is ready," he said in a statement in Kota Kinabalu yesterday.

Referring to the concerns raised by Kalabakan MP, Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh that SEDIA had no control of the implementation of the SDC projects, Dr Mohd Yaakub assured that there had been no interference in the awarding of contracts for the SDC projects.

The fifteen SDC projects which had been tendered out recently for example, have been awarded and the awarding decided based on the tenders submitted to the State Economic Planning Unit, without any interference from the federal government, he said.

Dr Mohd Yaakub said that all the SDC projects which had been approved for funding under the Ninth Malaysia Plan had been selected from the list of projects identified under the Sabah Development Corridor Blueprint. - Bernama

MALAYSIAN

June 21st, 2009, 10:27 AM

Sabah Development Corridor
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Sabah Development Corridor or SDC (Malay: Koridor Pembangunan Sabah or Koridor Sabah) is a new development corridor in Sabah, Malaysia. The SDC was launched on 29 January 2008.

The project is expected to take 18 years with total investment of up to RM 105 billion.On average, starts from the year of 2009, RM5.83 billion will be allocated each year for development. 900,000 jobs are expected to be created with this project along with a waterfront city, tourism sub project and a Sabah Railway terminal. The project kick-started with the Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announcing that the government has allocated an extra RM 5 billion under the Ninth Malaysia Plan to improve infrastructure and lower the cost of doing business in the state.

Key objectives of the project are:

-make Sabah a gateway for trade, investment and tourism
-transform the state into a harmonious state regardless of race or religion
-create job opportunities in the state
-make the state more technology-savvy
-make the state a comfortable state to live in

nazrey

June 24th, 2009, 11:56 AM

Sabah Aims To Be Leading Manufacturing Location In Asia By 2025
June 23, 2009 18:37 PM

KOTA KINABALU, June 23 (Bernama) -- The Sabah government aims to make the state the location of choice in Asia for resource-based manufacturing by 2025, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

To achieve the vision, the state is looking at several phases starting with measures to stimulate the growth of existing industries and attract private sector investment in targeted areas.

"The first phase is about seeding and catalysing growth in existing and new industries.

"Initiatives will be focused on fixing the basic infrastructure gap, investing in human capital and putting in place pro-business and pragmatic incentives to make it compelling for companies to shift to higher value added activities in Sabah," he said in his opening speech at the Sabah Investment and Trade Dialogue on Manufacturing and Services sectors, here Tuesday.

His speech was read out by State Minister of Industrial Development, Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah.

Musa said the second phase will build on the foundation, and focus will be on spawning local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and linking them to the supply chain of larger established firms.

As Sabah enters the third phase, the manufacturing sector is expected to be a key contributor to the Sabah's gross domestic product (GDP), by creating high-value employment and supporting a vibrant manufacturing base, he said.

"By 2025, Sabah's sophistication in terms of mix of skills base, companies and linkages to key affluent markets in North Asia will allow it to be the preferred location for investment in resource-based manufacturing and beyond," he said.

Musa said Sabah's manufacturing focus will be on leveraging on its natural endowments such as palm oil, rubber, cocoa, biodiversity, oil and gas, mineral and other resources.

He said among the major programmes identified for the manufacturing sector under the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) include the continued development of the palm oil industrial clusters in Lahad Datu and Sandakan, the establishment of an integrated petrochemical complex and the development of the biomass industry.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

June 24th, 2009, 02:22 PM

SABAH AIMS TO BE LOCATION OF CHOICE FOR RESOURCE-BASED MANUFACTURING
24th June, 2009

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah aims to be the preferred location for investment in resource-based manufacturing by 2025.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman said this vision will be achieved through the implementation of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) in phases that will ultimately stimulate growth of the existing industries and attract private sector investment in targeted areas.

The first phase will seed the growth of existing and new industries with focus on fixing basic infrastructural gaps, investing in human capital and providing pro-business and pragmatic incentives to compel companies to shift to higher order value-added activities.

The second phase further strengthens the economic foundation by emphasising on spawning local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and linking them to the supply chain of larger established firms.

In building SMEs, he explained that incentives would be provided to companies undertaking research and development (R&D) as well as design and technology transfer activities.

By the third phase, the manufacturing sector is expected to be the key contributor to Sabah’s gross domestic product (GDP) and create high-value employment in the state.

And by 2025 Sabah’s sophistication in terms of mix of skills base, its companies and linkages to key affluent markets in North Asia will allow the state to be the preferred location for investment in resource-based manufacturing and beyond.

“Emphasis will be placed on creating local intellectual properties within the resource-based technology domain. A strong SME community will serve as a platform for Sabah to source for quality investment in global resource-based manufacturing businesses,” he said in his opening address at the Sabah Investment and Trade Dialogue and Seminar on Opportunities in Manufacturing and Services Sector here yesterday.

His text was read by Minister of Industrial Development Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah.

Musa who is also the Finance Minister, said in an effort to develop the manufacturing sector, Sabah would focus on leveraging on its abundant natural resources.

Among the main resources being developed include palm oil, rubber, cocoa, biodiversity, minerals and oil and gas.

“Among the major programmes identified for the manufacturing sector under the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) include the continued development of the palm oil industrial cluster in Lahad Datu and Sandakan, the establishment of an Integrated Petrochemical Complex and the development of biomass industry,” he said.

The Chief Minister said efforts are being made by the state government to address issues and problems which have been identified under the Sabah Industrial Action Plan (SIAP) to make Sabah more conducive for business and investment.

“Globalization has opened up international markets and fortunately Sabah has some comparative advantages in the form of resource availability, its central location in South East Asia and social and political stability.

“To augment these advantages so as to build up competitive edge, the state government places emphasis on the creation of higher order factor of production, including development of advanced industrial infrastructures,” said the Chief Minister.

He added other measures, namely promoting human resource development and research and development (R&D) activities as well as promoting knowledge-based industries.

Commenting on the event, he said it provided the participants with the latest updates on policies, incentives, facilities and support services available to the business community.

It also provided a platform to highlight investment opportunities available in Sabah, as well as increase awareness on the functions of the various agencies under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).

Furthermore, the event was a forum for the business community to network with key federal and state government agencies.

“Today’s dialogue and seminar is very timely, coming at a time when our nation is facing a very challenging period. Unprecedented economic slowdown has led to great global economic uncertainty as well as triggered inflationary pressures at the domestic front.

“We therefore hope that this seminar well serve to provide us with a better picture of what is to be expected in the economic front of our country and in particular Sabah,” he said.

nazrey

July 25th, 2009, 03:23 PM

Sabah Implements Holistic Development
July 25, 2009 19:35 PM

SANDAKAN, July 25 (Bernama) -- The state government is adopting holistic development to ensure that all the people, regardless of race, enjoyed the benefits, said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

He said the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) was an example of the government's commitment to bring development to all strata of society in all parts of the state.

"The SDC provides the state government an opportunity to bring development to all districts as it is a holistic plan.

"With a balanced development, no one in Sabah will be sidelined," he said at a gathering with the Sungai community, here today.

He said the people in the east coast, west coast and interior regions of the state would benefit from the implementation of several projects under the SDC.

-- BERNAMA

rizalhakim

August 7th, 2009, 09:58 AM

Filmmaking hub planned
2009/08/07

KOTA KINABALU: The state government is planning to establish a state-of-the-art one-stop film production centre under the Sabah Development Corridor plan, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said.

"I am confident the effort by the Sabah government to host the 22nd Malaysia Film Festival will be the launch pad of its venture into the field," he said at the launch of the Film Symposium and Appreciation Programme in conjunction with the festival at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, here.

His speech was delivered by state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun. -- Bernama

nazrey

August 7th, 2009, 10:13 AM

nazrey

August 21st, 2009, 01:51 PM

Musa Wants SEDIA To Fast Track Development Under SDC
August 21, 2009 16:34 PM

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman directed the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) to ensure that all projects in the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) are implemented as scheduled.

He said that SEDIA should monitor and take the necessary action to avoid any delay in the implementation of projects in the SDC, especially those under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

He was speaking at the second meeting of SEDIA, the agency responsible for the overall development of all programmes under the SDC, held at Wisma Innoprise near here on Friday.

Musa, who is also SEDIA chairman, said the SDC has increasingly received a lot of interest from local and foreign investors who were keen to participate in its development.

"The most recent interest came from the Brunei Investment Agency," he said.

Musa said that SEDIA was currently working on deals that could bring in investments worth more than RM20 billion.

"This development shows that the SDC is starting to show fruitful results and proves that Sabah is an attractive location for investment," he said.

The SDC was currently halfway through the first phase of its implementation period from 2008 to 2010, Musa said.

"When the SDC was launched, we signed a number of agreements involving investment commitments amounting to RM16 billion. Currently, all these projects are at different implementation phases," he said.

Musa said from January to April 2009, Sabah approved 10 manufacturing projects valued at RM205 million, which made the state among the top eight investment destinations in the country's manufacturing sector.

"Since SEDIA serves as a one-stop centre responsible for planning, managing, monitoring and promoting the SDC, I would like to see all state and government agencies as well as the private sector working closely with SEDIA in ensuring all programmes and projects can be effectively and efficiently carried out for the benefit of all," he said.

The meeting also discussed SEDIA's corporate plan for the next two years from 2009. The plan outlined strategies, programmes and projects that will be implemented during the two-year period.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

September 17th, 2009, 07:27 PM

MUSA: SERVE THE PEOPLE
17th September, 2009

SANDAKAN: Barisan Nasional (BN) elected representatives have been reminded that they must serve the people.

“Don’t think of yourself as a YB but one that wants to serve,” Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman who is also Sabah BN and Umno chief said.

Speaking to more than 500 Umno leaders and members of Zone 5 (Libaran, Kinabatangan, Batu Sapi, Beluran and Sandakan here on Tuesday night, he said the BN has a good track record and proven ability in safeguarding the interests of the people in the country.

He said the YBs were elected by the people and so they must constantly go to the ground to meet the people and resolve their problems.

“We must engage with the people,” he said, adding that giving the best service to the people would ensure that the state BN remained strong.

And, the Chief Minister also urged leaders of all BN component parties to work together in fulfilling the promises made to the people.

Meanwhile, he said only credible and qualified contractors would be picked to participate in development projects in the state.

Musa who is also Finance Minister said work quality and completion of work according to schedule were also important in the implementation of projects.

And, according to him, many more areas would be developed under the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC).

Before breaking fast with the people, the Chief Minister distributed alms to the needy. He also presented RM10,000 each to seven secondary and primary schools here to help the poor students.

Present were heads of the Zone 5 divisions namely Tan Sri Ampong Puyon, Datuk Bung Moktar Radin, Datuk Samsudin Yahya dan James Ratib.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Peter Pang En Yin who is also the Karamunting Assemblyman and Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun were also in attendance.

rizalhakim

October 22nd, 2009, 07:44 AM

SEDIA pantau projek SDC

Oleh ABDUL RASHID ABDUL RAHMAN
utusansabah@utusan.com.my

KOTA KINABALU 21 Okt. – Pihak Berkuasa Pembangunan dan Pelaburan Sabah (SEDIA) telah bersedia sepenuhnya untuk menjadi pusat sehenti yang akan memantau dan menyelaras projek-projek di bawah Koridor Pembangunan Sabah (SDC).

Ketua Menteri, Datuk Seri Musa Aman berkata, penubuhan SEDIA yang diluluskan pada Januari lalu kini menjadi peneraju utama projek SDC selaras dengan peruntukan Enakmen SEDIA 2009.

“Meskipun SEDIA baru sahaja beroperasi, sebenarnya ia telah lama menjalankan tugasnya dalam memastikan kelancaran perjalanan projek-projek SDC di negeri ini.

“Kini ia telah beroperasi sepenuhnya dengan pelantikan beberapa tenaga kerja profesional seperti jurutera, akauntan, perancang bandar dan desa, pegawai teknologi maklumat, penganalisis ekonomi, kumpulan pentadbiran serta sokongan,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian pada sidang akhbar selepas mempengerusikan mesyuarat ketiga SEDIA di Wisma Innoprise dekat sini semalam.

Turut hadir Timbalan Ketua Menteri yang juga Menteri Pembangunan Infrastruktur negeri, Datuk Pairin Kitingan; Timbalan Ketua Menteri yang juga Menteri Belia dan Sukan negeri, Datuk Peter Pang En Yin dan Presiden SEDIA, Datuk Dr. Mohd. Yaakub Johari.

Menurut Musa, bagi memudahkan semua pihak berhubung dengan SEDIA, Wisma Sedia telah diwujudkan di persimpangan Jalan Lintas dan Jalan Pintas Penampang dekat sini.

Dalam pada itu, beliau berharap semua agensi pelaksana projek SDC memberi kerjasama sepenuhnya kepada agensi tersebut bagi menjayakan pelaksanaan projek SDC.

Jelasnya, semua projek SDC yang telah dirancang bukan sahaja harus disiapkan mengikut jadual tetapi berkualiti dan menghasilkan impak yang dikehendaki.

“Saya difahamkan bahawa salah satu teras rancangan pihak SEDIA ialah untuk meningkatkan kesedaran awam terhadap konsep, strategi, program dan projek SDC termasuk kemajuan pelaksanaan projek SDC melalui penyebaran maklumat.

“Maklumat itu seterusnya diharapkan dapat memberi penjelasan mengenai peluang dan ruang pelaburan berpotensi, peluang pekerjaan dan juga ruang penyertaan bagi usahawan industri kecil dan sederhana termasuk usahawan desa,” katanya.

Mengulas mengenai tarikh cuti umum Hari Malaysia pada 16 September yang sama dengan sambutan hari jadi Yang Dipertua Negeri, Tun Ahmad Shah Abdullah, beliau berkata, kerajaan negeri akan mengkaji tarikh baru bagi sambutan hari jadi berkenaan.

nazrey

February 11th, 2010, 04:51 PM

Four Sabah firms win Asia Pacific business award
11th February, 2010

http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/mediafiles/picture/7839/1102_award.jpg?1265864914

The winners with their trophies

KUALA LUMPUR: Four companies from Sabah won honours for themselves and the state for winning the 8th Asia Pacific International Honesty Enterprise Keris Award held at the Palace of the Golden Horses. They are LT Alliance Development, MultiBake, NCT, and the San Hin Group.

They were among the 53 companies from across the Asia Pacific countries that were conferred the award for outstanding performances and upholding high business ethics. It is no mean feat for Sabah firms to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the region.

The 8th edition attracted the highest response with 602 nominations within 150 days. Held successfully since 2002, the award has grown in stature and prestige with each passing year. It has become the biggest international business award presentation and one of the most well represented and recognized in the Asia Pacific region.

It enjoys support from the various Asia Pacific city governments (local governments), trade associations and media corporations.

This is an initiative of the Entrepreneur Development Association of Malaysia (EDA) with the primary mission to promote enterprise development and to push Asian enterprises to become world class. Helmed by Dr Albert Tan, it is involved in innovation and development, the promotion of technology and technical advancement; actively showing the way of achieving results towards development and prosperity.

Dr Tan, speaking in his capacity as chairman of the 8th Asia Pacific International Honesty Keris Award, said, “For the past seven years, we have awarded more than 280 companies. It has been heartening to witness the growth of the past winners, many of which have grown past their modest beginnings to morph into strong and respected corporations. Some of them had gone on to become public listed companies.

The winning companies are based on the criteria of sound business models – marketing strategies, strong branding and R&D capabilities. They must also have impeccable track record as good corporate citizens. Their business profiles would be authenticated by an international professional credit information company.

The reason or importance of giving due recognition to enterprises with high ethics, said the organizing chairman, was to underline that the most valuable asset is no longer money, products or facilities. “It is the company’s reputation,” he said.

With the click of the mouse, a company’s failure to deliver on its promise could be made known in an instant. “Therefore, only honesty and integrity can generate trust and create a platform for long lasting business relationship and this is what sustains enterprises over the long term.”

Sen Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, the minister in the prime minister’s department, who was the guest of honour, later gave away the glass-encased golden keris to the winners.

He stressed that integrity and honesty override capability and know-how and know-who.

He spelt ICT as Integrity, Commitment and Trust as the key to success in today’s business.

“Due to lack of ICT, the houses of concrete become houses of cards,” he said in reference to the US subprime crisis.

“Companies with money can engage in public relations to build up their image with all kinds of tricks. The US subprime crisis was the result of overpadding the economy and fraud.

“Malaysia was not affected by the US crisis as a result of Bank Negara Malaysia’s vigilance and strict control of the financial system. However, the country was hit by the second wave with falling demand in goods and services from its traditional trading partners.

“Business has since turned around because of stimulus packages implemented by the government,” the minister said.

He took the opportunity to praise the organization of the Asia Pacific International Honesty Enterprise Award, and in particular the Entrepreneurs Association of Malaysia for the promotion of sound ethics in business.

After the award presentation ceremony, New Sabah Times spoke to the representatives of the Sabah winning companies.

Low Poke Leong, the managing director of LT Alliance Development, said, “It’s a lot of hard work to be recognized. Winning spurs the company to strive harder for success.”

He said for most people buying a house is their life-savings. “For the company, it must deliver quality and safety for its customers. There’s no shortcut for short-term profits.”

On what he detested most, he said, “Bad attitude regardless of how talented the staff is, he is a liability to the company.”

In the case of MultiBake, its success lies in win-win relationship with its suppliers and vendors. Peter Khoo told the New Sabah Times that paying suppliers on time had stood the company in good stead.

“In the food business, fresh and quality ingredients are very important in the final products. This in turn keeps our customers coming back,” he explained.

Thomas Ng, managing director of NCT, a logistics company, said, “Our winning strategy is hard work and honesty in our dealings. It’s not built overnight but over more than 20 years in the business. From zero to what we are today, we have grown together with our customers.”

He called on the government to build more jetties and shipyards for repair of ships. On Lahad Datu port, he said the POIC Lahad Datu must work closely with the logistics sector in order to establish it as a shipping hub in the Asean-Bimp-Eaga region.

As for the San Hin Group, it had two winners in Tang Dynasty and KK Ready Mixed Concrete.

Terence Tulus of Dynasty Hotel said the international recognition was timely for the hotel. It presently had four hotels in operation. Another two hotels are under construction. In the next two to five years’ time, it hoped to have 2,000 rooms in Sabah alone.

“With the Keris Award, Tang dynasty hopes to leverage on the booming tourism industry in Sabah,” he said.

While KK Ready Mixed Concrete’s technical director, S Muru, hoped the award would put the company on a higher profile in the building and construction industry.

“With the Sabah Development Corridor, there will be more business opportunities for 2010 than ever before.”

MALAYSIAN

March 19th, 2010, 09:40 AM

Quote:

HK-based Sun Bear to invest US$1.5b in Malaysia
March 11, 2010

KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Kong-based Sun Bear Solar Ltd, a global player in the solar energy industry, will be investing RM5.2bil in a solar glass manufacturing plant in Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park, near the capital of the east Malaysian state of Sabah.

The first phase would cost RM2.2bil and involved the purchase of fixed assets, including the building of two glass manufacturing lines for the 300-acre plant, said Lee Judd, chairman of its wholly-owned subsidiary Sun Bear Sdn Bhd.

“The second phase, costing RM3bil, will kick off six months later and involves the development of two larger glass manufacturing lines. The plant will be fully operational by the first quarter of 2012,” she said yesterday at a media briefing on the plant.

Judd said Sabah was the ideal site for the plant because of the abundance of raw materials in the state for the manufacture of various types of glass, a critical component in the production of many value-added products such as solar panels.

Moreover, Sabah also has good logistics and infrastructure, as well as manpower and expertise for the plant which potentially could be the largest glass manufacuring plant in the world over time.

Malaysian Industrial Develoment Authority (Mida) director-general Datuk Jalilah Baba said Sun Bear initially approached Mida on the possibility of setting up the plant in Malaysia in 2007.

“We worked closely and had many meetings over the past two years or so to provide Sun Bear the critical information it required, especially on the supply of raw materials,” she said.

Jalilah said the new solar glass plant had the potential to create great spin-off benefits for the economy via the production of high-value innovative products, the introduction of new and advanced solar technologies and the creation of potential downstream industries in lighting, green buildings, home applications and solar heating.

“The plant will create about 1,200 employment opportunities in the country,” she said, adding that there would also be a significant multiplier effect in income generation in various new fields that required special skills.

Jalilah said the solar project signified another successful step taken by Malaysia to reduce its global carbon footprint.

“The advancement of Malaysia’s renewable energy industry is no longer an option, but a necessity to transform the country into a high-income based economy,” she noted.

Under the 10th Malaysia Plan, Malaysia targets to generate 217 MW peak from solar, thereby increasing its solar contribution to 1.5% from 0.0013% currently. (MW peak refers to the maximum energy obtained when the sun is strongest.)

As a high-technology driven industry, solar manufacturing had the potential to contribute up to 4% of the country’s gross domestic product this year, said Jalilah.

MALAYSIAN

March 19th, 2010, 09:43 AM

Sabahans Need More Exposure On Remote Sensing Technology
KOTA KINABALU, March 19 (Bernama) -- The people in Sabah need more exposure on the benefits of remote sensing technology, said State Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai on Friday.

He said a large state like Sabah required technology that was fast and effective for a wide range of fileds such as agriculture, the environment, land development and security.

"There must be optimum usage of remote sensing technology to ensure its benefits reach its end-users and the people, and at the same time, spur the country's development.

"Therefore, there is a need for ongoing efforts to provide exposure, awareness and knowledge on the benefits it brings to the people," he said when officiating an awareness seminar on remote sensing technology and related technologies organised by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry here.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Remote Sensing Agency Director-General Datuk Darus Ahmad said the Sabah Forestry Department was one of the state departments to fully utilise remote sensing technology to manage forest resources in Sabah.

"They (the Forestry Department) use it to monitor logging and other activities in the forests regularly," he told reporters.

He also said the technology could take fast and accurate aerial photographs via satellite compared to traditional methods of using aircrafts.

-- BERNAMA

MALAYSIAN

March 19th, 2010, 09:47 AM

Bridge Between Labuan And Mainland Sabah Economically Viable
March 18, 2010 16:04 PM

LABUAN, March 18 (Bernama) -- A study on the proposal to construct an 11 km-long bridge linking Labuan and mainland Sabah through Menumbok has been completed and it will be economically viable, says Universiti Malaysia Sabah Labuan International College (UMSKAL) director Prof Dr Haji Shariff AK Omang Al Haj.

He said this to Bernama when contacted on Thursday on the comprehensive study jointly carried out by University Kebangsaan Malaysia and University Malaysia Sarawak.

The report is to be handed over to the Ministry of Federal Territories and Urban Well-Being this week.

Dr Shariff who is also head director of the Labuan-Menumbok Bridge Project Consultation said the study which took 11 months to complete, laid out three possible routes for the bridge, namely from the south, middle, and east side.

The eastern route would link Tanjung Aru here to Mempakul next to Menumbok on the Sabah mainland and is considered the most practical one as it doesn't interfere with the commercial shipping lane or the Labuan-Menumbok ferry path.

The middle route would go through Pulau Dahat and Menumbok (9.3km) and the southern route from the town centre here to Menumbok (11.3km)

These two routes however are considered to be impractical because they interfere with the shipping lane and also involve high construction cost, Dr Shariff said.

He said the study also put the estimated cost at a whopping RM3 billion, adding that it would rise to RM6 billion if construction is delayed.

The study also said the bridge was necessary to solve the problems of limited air access and uncomfortable sea connection, and to provide an alternative means of faster transportation in case of emergency.

The construction of the bridge, which has been long been awaited by Labuan residents and those living in Menumbok as well as the surrounding areas, can boost tourism industry. It would also provide economic spin-off to the local populace and thus benefit the whole nation.

It would not affect the air and sea transport system but on the other hand would provide more options to people travelling.

If the bridge becomes a reality, he said infrastructures of the town centre especially roads would have to be upgraded to avoid congestion.

However, the study also pointed out if the number of population rises to 200,000 in the town centre, there was possibility that the town might be paralyzed.

"Therefore, Labuan town will need to be expanded or enlarged through several sea reclamation and upgrading of the island's entire roads networks," he explained.

Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin had said that his Ministry had requested a total of RM3 billion in allocation for various development projects in Labuan and were awaiting the Economic Planning Unit (EPU)'s approval.

Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Labuan, Datuk Yussof Mahal, said the findings of the study augured well for the island and the people, as a whole.

-- BERNAMA

---

MALAYSIAN

March 19th, 2010, 09:50 AM

Ranhill commissions 190-MW power plant in Sabah
PETALING JAYA: Ranhill Bhd has commissioned its 190-megawatt combined-cycle facility in Sabah, which will provide power to support the state’s rapid growth and will also facilitate the Malaysian Government’s energy strategy to promote cleaner and more efficient power generation.

In a statement, subsidiary Ranhill Power Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Norlian Abdul Rahim said that Malaysia’s peak demand growth was projected to average about 3% per year until 2020, and the demand would be particularly strong in Sabah, a rapidly developing rural area where the economy was experiencing dynamic growth.

“The new plant will help Sabah meet its short-term energy needs while also playing a key role in the overall enhancement of the region’s energy infrastructure,” she said.

The facility is expected to be the largest and most efficient independent power plant in Sabah.

US-based General Electric Co (GE) had supplied two Frame 6FA gas turbine-generator packages, training and technical advisory services and performance testing for the facility, the statement added.

“The plant commenced operation in simple cycle service with the commissioning of the first turbine and is expected to enter into combined-cycle operation by the fourth quarter of this year,” the statement said.

GE and Ranhill had signed a 21-year contractual service agreement that covers repairs, upgrades and outage services for the turbines.

nazrey

July 21st, 2010, 09:46 AM

Pairin: Sabah will be the most liveable state in Asia by 2025
Wednesday July 21, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/21/nation/6701338&sec=nation

JINAN: The Sabah Economic Development Corridor will make Sabah the most liveable state in Asia by 2025, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said.

He said the initiative would leverage on the state’s strategic location, rich resources and biodiversity.

“This will enhance Sabah’s status as an eco-tourism hotspot and a second home destination with high end villas, chalets and facilities,” he told companies at a business networking forum held here in China yesterday.

He said the first phase of the initiative had focused on pushing for future growth via infrastructure and poverty eradication projects.

Kitingan said the next phase, which would run from next year until 2015, would see the state host global companies and emerge as a base for local small- and medium-sized companies.

“In the third phase between 2016 until 2025, Sabah will eventually become the ultimate destination for foreign direct investments as well as for people to live and work in,” he said.

“Under the development corridor plan, we will have a competitive package of incentives for our foreign investors, especially in knowledge-based and biotechnology industries,” Pairin said.

SDC is focused on the development of several areas, including the Sandakan-Beluran-Kinabatangan Bio-Triangle, Lahad Datu-Kunak-Semporna-Tawau Agro-Marine Belt, Interior Food Valley in Keningau, Oil and Gas Cluster, Kinabalu Gold Coast Enclave and Brunei Bay Integrated Development Area.

DW25

July 21st, 2010, 10:03 AM

nazrey

July 22nd, 2010, 07:18 AM

Project to develop Sabah into choice destination in Asia
Published: 2010/07/22
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/sabado/Article/

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/sabado/pix_topright

SABAH Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan says Sabah would be developed into an internationally recognised destination of choice in Asia for business and leisure by 2025 under the 18-year Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) Project.

"Tourism, logistics, agriculture and manufacturing sectors will be the main focus of SDC, and shall be guided by the NKEA in line with its key factor endowments," said Pairin when addressing more than 100 delegates from Malaysia and China at the 7th Malaysia-China Joint Business Council Meeting in Jinan, China, yesterday.

He was here with ministers, assistant ministers and officials from the state government and corporate leaders from Sabah to attract Chinese investment in the SDC project.

When elaborating on tourism development under the project, Pairin said, the Sabah government would turn the state as a target of high-yield and long-stay visitors, with premier eco-adventure destinations, as well as a high-end second home destination with luxury holiday villas and lifestyle activities.

"Offshore islands and Kinabalu Gold Coast Enclave will be developed into high end signature resorts, together with new eco-tourism products such as wildlife safari, rainforest interpretation, island hopping and submarine diving," he said.

Lifestyle products like Mt Kinabalu lookout, MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions) facilities, marinas, holiday homes, spas, wellness, healthcare centres, boutique resorts, performing arts, handicraft centres and art galleries will also be built.

He said, development would capitalise on Sabah's largest genera of marine life (cradle of coral life), oldest rainforest and colourful and diverse native population, Agro-tourism in the interior districts and wellness tourism in the highlands.

"Handicrafts and home stay will also be actively promoted to encourage local participation in tourism. To achieve this ends, a handicraft village will be established and new handicraft products such as leather craft will be introduced," he said.

As Kota Kinabalu acts as the main gateway for tourists arriving in Sabah, the waterfront area would be rehabilitated and re-developed into an iconic attraction, added Pairin.

Earlier at a meeting with officials of the Jinan Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone, Pairin invited Chinese officials to visit Sabah and look for investment opportunities in the state.

He said, investors can focus on four key sectors, namely agriculture, tourism, logistics and manufacturing. - Bernama

nazrey

July 22nd, 2010, 07:20 AM

Lifestyle products like Mt Kinabalu lookout, MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions) facilities, marinas, holiday homes, spas, wellness, healthcare centres, boutique resorts, performing arts, handicraft centres and art galleries will also be built.

From the press..gotta hope this project will go on >>
Sabah International Convention Complex

http://www.ctaparch.com/images/comm_sabah32.jpg

http://www.ctaparch.com/images/comm_sabah62.jpg

bart_shinoda

July 22nd, 2010, 05:32 PM

Kinabalu Gold Coast Enclave? what was that? a project name?

AFL

July 23rd, 2010, 11:23 AM

From the press..gotta hope this project will go on >>
Sabah International Convention Complex

http://www.ctaparch.com/images/comm_sabah32.jpg

http://www.ctaparch.com/images/comm_sabah62.jpg

Heard rumour that the Sabah ICC will be postponed to another site, closer to the city, instead of at Yayasan Sabah site. IMO, i think its better located near KK CBD, because many hotels located here, and that would attract a lot of MICE meetings due to convenient accommodation, distance wise...

nazrey

July 23rd, 2010, 12:11 PM

Sabah needs clean source of electricity
Friday July 23, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/7/23/southneast/6673264&sec=southneast

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah must adopt a clean source of electricity if it wants to bank on tourism that raked in RM3.8bil in revenue last year.

GreenSURF (Sabah Unite to Re-Power the Future), who is pushing for alternatives to a proposed 300-megawatt coal-fired powerplant at the Coral Triangle, said eco-tourism would suffer if the project was implemented.

The coalition of non-governmental organisations said the need for sustainable development tailored for the environment was highlighted by State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun.

Green SURF spokesman Wong Tack said Masidi’s statement spoke volumes on why Sabah should not sumbit to pressure to construct a coal-fired power plant in Lahad Datu.

“Our Minister said tourism in Sabah is linked to the environment.

“We commend him for his vision and we want to work with the government in solving our power woes without resorting to a coalplant.

“I believe the people of Sabah are behind Masidi in his vision to advocate development that factors in environmental concerns,” said Wong, who is the Sabah Environmental Protection Association (SEPA) president.

Apart from SEPA, other Green SURF members are Land Empowerment Animals People (LEAP), WWF-Malaysia, Malaysia Nature Society (Sabah branch) and Partners of Community Organisations (Pacos Trust).

“Building a coal plant in Sabah is a clear contradiction to the Sabah Tourism Master Plan that Masidi has spoken about.

“The Minister also acknowledged that tourism has steadily grown into an industry that made significant contributions to the state and national economies,” Wong said.

Masidi was quoted as saying that the tourism industry was dynamic and changes such as behaviour among travellers, and factors like climate change and environmental catastrophe need to be considered in formulating the second phase of the master plan.

The Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) was aimed at making Sabah as the most livable place in Asia by 2025 through several steps, including sustainable management of its environmental resources.

Sabah’s contribution to Malaysia’s eco-tourism industry was also highlighted by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Centre for Innovative Planning and Development director Prof Amran Hamzah.

Amran had described Pulau Sipadan Island as among the world’s top five destinations for scuba diving, and that tourists visit the Sabah and Sarawak for a unique range of eco-tourism attractions.

nazrey

September 21st, 2010, 08:19 PM

Sabah Expects To Use Up RM1.12 Billion Funding For SDC By End-Sept
September 21, 2010 15:26 PM

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- Sabah expects to fully use up the RM1.127 billion fund injected by the federal government into the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) by the end of this month.

Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority chief executive officer, Datuk Dr Mohd Yaakub Johari, said several infrastructure, education, tourism and agriculture projects had been completed.

"After that we will proceed with other projects to fuel economic growth. Actually, we are embarking on them already," he told reporters after the launch of the Public-Private Partnership and Facilitation Fund Seminar here today.

Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Aman, launched the seminar.

Mohd Yaakub said a number of private sector-led SDC projects were on-going via public-private partnerships.

He said they were being implemented within development clusters identified under the SDC Blueprint such as the Sabah Gold Coast Enclave, which would focus on tourism development, Sipitang Oil and Gas Cluster, Palm Oil Industrial Cluster, Sandakan Education Hub, Keningau Integrated Livestock Centre and Sabah Agro-Industrial Precinct.

Earlier, Musa said the government was keen to not only introduce a pro-business environment but also endeavour to leverage on the innovative capacity and resourcefulness of the private sector as a partner in national development.

He said the public-private partnership approach, characterised by sharing of investments, risks, rewards and responsibilities through concessions, franchises and joint ventures, was a key initiative to foster a win-win situation for both sides.

"The government will support effective and smart partnerships with the private sector through measures such as those which catalyse and accelerate strategic private investments and those collaborating to support public delivery and social development," he said.

Musa said the state government, via the SDC initiatives, has proposed new projects under the 10th Malaysia Plan, which could be expedited through the public-private partnership concept and expected to become pioneer initiatives for more future developments.

In conjunction with the seminar, Musa also launched the Malaysian Corridor magazine.

The magazine, published by Pembangunan Koridor (M) Sdn Bhd, aims to help the government promote investment and business opportunities in the country's five development corridors and the economic linkages that could be generated.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

September 24th, 2010, 08:04 AM

St Joseph Complex Rig to be installed in Sabah next month
By YU JI Friday September 24, 2010
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/9/24/sarawak/7091206&sec=sarawak

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/9/24/sarawak/swk_pg01rig.jpg

ONE of the most extensive oil rig redevelopment projects in Sarawak has been completed and will be installed in Sabah beginning next month.

Brooke Dockyard and Engineering Works Sdn Bhd, a Sarawak government-owned company that Sabah Shell Petroleum Co Ltd awarded the project to in May last year, yesterday announced the project completion of the St Joseph Complex Rig.

The rig will be reinstalled offshore from Sabah, at 178km north-east of Labuan, in a water depth of 38m. The St Joseph Complex oil rig development costs nearly RM200mil.

Weighing more than 2,200 tonnes and with an almost six-storey high topside (the structure visible above sea level), the project is the largest ever for Brooke Dockyard.

Its previous project weighed 2,000 tonnes.

In a statement by Brooke Dockyard, it said that it achieved an accumulative 1.5 million man hours without any ‘Lost Time Incident’.

“The successful completion of this project reflects the great teamwork of all personnel involved, with Shell people always providing guidance, particularly in areas of developing and sustaining strong health-and-safety measures.”

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/9/24/sarawak/swk_pg06brooke.jpg

Proud achievement: Brooke Dockyard and Engineering Works Sdn Bhd
chairman Datuk Abang Abdul Karim Tun Abang Openg (left) with
Infrastructure Development and Communications Minister Datuk Sri
Michael Manyin (right) at the ceremony.

The project consisted of redeveloping the oil rig’s substructure, water injection topside and an 80 personnel living quarters module.

The accommodation module includes a cantilevered aluminium helicopter landing deck and a gymnasium at the roof level. Underneath it are accomodation, eating and other recreational areas, as well administration offices.

Brooke Dockyard is the oldest ship building and oil rig building company in Sarawak. Founded by the White Rajah-era government in 1912 — as a workshop repairing vessels and machinery — it is now under the Infrastructure Development and Communications Ministry.

Since last 15 years, Brooke Dockyard has completed 15 offshore modules, eight substructures and four living quarters.

Its past clients include ExxonMobil, Petronas Carigali, Talisman and Murphy Sarawak Oil.

The company statement highlighted Petronas and the state government as “instrumental in nurturing Brooke Dockyard”.

“We were a small-time ship repair corporation and now we have grown to become a leading offshore modules fabrication company in East Malaysia.”

Brooke Dockyard presently employs between 1,200 and 1,500 people within its Demak Industrial Cluster, close to Kuching.

“The company has set a goal to become an important regional player, especially in the engineering works of the oil and gas industry. We believe Brooke Dockyard can continue to play an important role in Sarawak’s human resource development.”

sepul

September 24th, 2010, 03:53 PM

say no to coal-fired power plant.. build nuclear power plant instead..

nazrey

October 2nd, 2010, 01:49 PM

10MP Set To Spur Sabah Development - Yang Dipertua Negeri
October 02, 2010 18:41 PM
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=532125

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ahmadshah has expressed his confidence that the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) would spur the economy of the state based on its rapid development over the past 10 years.

He said the state had experienced many changes under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) which had benefited the people.

"I believe the state's economy will continue to rise under the 10MP and the people will be able to earn high income," he said at the investiture ceremony in conjunction with his 64th birthday celebration at Istana Negeri here Saturday.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the state recorded a positive growth under the 9MP that had enabled it to remain competitive at the global and national levels.

He said the implementation of the 9MP projects was satisfactory with 75.87 per cent or RM15.681 billion of the total budget ceiling spent until Sept 25," he said.

The state government has intensified efforts to eradicate poverty and hardcore poverty in rural areas towards the end of the 9MP in efforts to achieve the target of zero poverty by the end of this year, he added.

Musa said the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) was underway with RM475.96 million spent until Sept 24 to ensure smooth implementation of various development projects under the initiative.

He said private investment was also rising with recent investment commitments estimated at RM9.172 billion.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia headed the recipients of the state awards.

He received the Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu (SPDK), the highest state award, which carries the title "Datuk Seri Panglima".

Sabah Assistant Finance Minister Donald Peter Mojuntin was among 52 recipients of the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK) which carries the title ''Datuk''.

Others included Inanam assemblyman Johnny Goh, POIC Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Dr Pang Teck Wai, Sabah Women's Affairs Department director Siti Sapoo Ahok, state education director Dr Muhiddin Yusin and State Resource Development and Information Technology Ministry permanent secretary Matius Sator.

Sabah Journalists Association president Datuk Jonistan Bangkuai and Suria Capital Holdings Berhad independent non-executive director Datuk Ismail Awang Besar were among the recipients of the Justice of the Peace present.

A total of 759 are conferred with the state awards this year.

The official birthday celebration of the Yang Dipertua Negeri Sabah, which is usually held on Sept 16 each year, is from now on be held on the first Saturday of October.

The change was due to Sept 16 now being declared a public holiday to celebrate Malaysia Day.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

October 8th, 2010, 07:50 PM

Sabah is ready – Musa
by Sandra Sokial. Posted on October 8, 2010, Friday
State is all set to carry out Economic Transformation Programme
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=67365

http://www.theborneopost.com/newsimages/2201.jpg

Musa (centre) holding the crystal ball to symbolically launch of the ETP Open
Day yesterday. He is joined by Idris (second right) and Deputy Chief Ministers
Datuk Seri Panglima Yahya Hussin (left), Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan
(second left) and Datuk Peter Pang yesterday.-Photo by Aniq Azraei.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is all set to implement the government’s latest programme to drive the country towards becoming a high-income nation by 2020.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, in assuring Sabah’s readiness, explained that the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) is also in line with the state’s existing Halatuju (development direction) and the holistic Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) programmes.

“The SDC is gearing Sabah’s rich natural resources and strategic location in the South China Sea Region to propel the state’s economy forward. There is a clear alignment between the ETP and SDC initiatives.

“ETP is also in line with the SDC initiatives, namely agriculture, palm oil, tourism, as well as oil and gas. ETP aims at transforming agriculture into agribusiness, moving towards an inclusive model anchored on market-centred, economies of scale and value chain integration,” said Musa when launching the ETP Open Day Programme here yesterday.

He said the SDC, launched two years ago, is an initiative to fully utilise the state’s natural resources that offer some 900,000 job opportunities and increase four-fold the Gross Domestic Product to RM63.2 billion by 2025.

Musa said the response to the SDC was overwhelming where between Jan 2008 and May 2010, the total investments were recorded at RM32 billion, 30.5 per cent from the RM18 billion target for the next 18 years.

He said Malaysia is currently facing the middle-income trap due to the current economic downturn and it needs a strategic approach to help materialise its target of becoming high-income nation in the future.

“Business as usual is no longer enough today. Malaysia needs a more radical and fast move to stay competitive internationally. It was with this in mind that the government has worked closely with the private sector to create and launch the ETP,” he said.

In Sabah, under the ETP, one of its agribusinesses is the commercial grade seaweed farming, leveraging the state’s strategic location in the Coral Triangle together with the Philippines and Indonesia.

“This triangle supplies nearly 80 per cent of Kappaphycus seaweed, which is highly sought after in the processed food and pharmaceutical industries.

“The seaweed mini-estate initiative aims to increase yield from 1.5 metric tonnes to five metric tonnes of dried seaweed per-hectare per-year in a framed totaling 28,000 hectares. The state government has designated 7,500 hectares of new areas for seaweed cultivation under the Industrial Aquaculture Zone (ZIA) and an additional 20,500ha will be designated by 2020,” he said.

In fact, Sabah is also one of the states identified for replicating the Integrated Aquaculture Model to tap the market for premium shrimps.

The larger market for fully certified and traceable seafood has increased from 20,000 MT to 600,000 MT over the last five years, an indication of its potential.

Apart from agriculture, the tourism industry in Sabah also stands to benefit from the development of a unique, green showpiece Econature Integrated Resort that is four to 10 times the size of other regional integrated resorts featuring components such as water theme park, mangrove centre, waterfront living and iconic architecture.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator Datuk Seri Idris Jala, when briefing on ETP, said a total of 71 entry point projects (EPPs) within the 10 National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs) are expected to kick-start the implementation of ETP in Sabah.

“ETP is not a plan, it is a programme. There is something for everyone,” he said, adding: “ETP will kick-start Malaysia’s drive towards high-income nation status with 131 EPPs and 60 Business Opportunities (BOs). It aims to almost triple the country’s Gross National Income (GNI) from RM660 billion in 2009 to close to RM1.7 trillion in 2020.”

This, added Idris, who is also the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) chief executive officer, translates into an increase of GNI per-capita from RM23,700 to at least RM48,000, meeting World Bank’s high-income nation benchmark.

The country is expected to grow its GNI at six per cent between 2011 and 2020 to hit the target.

The ETP is the culmination of a substantial body of work to develop the government’s economic agenda, building on the 10th Malaysia Plan, the New Economic Model, and the principles of the 1Malaysia, People First, Performance Now.

“In order for this to succeed, we need to increase revenue and reduce costs. It has to be done together. We are heading towards strong economic recovery and growth. The Budget 2010 slashing has reduced expenditures and as a result, we have a surplus fiscal deficit, which has not happened since 1997. And for the first time in 13 years, our Ringgit is strongest. More investors are coming in, including foreign investments.

“There is a saying that when one door opens, the other closes. We spent too much time feeling sorry over the closed door that we forget to notice the open doors. Malaysia needs a complete economic transformation and there is no time to lose,” he said.

Under the ETP, 12 NKEAs were laid down in the 10MP, namely oil and gas; palm oil; financial services; tourism; business services; electrical and electronics; wholesale and retail; education; health care; communications content and infrastructure; agriculture; and greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley.

The initiatives under the 12 NKEAs are forecast to create an incremental 3.3 million jobs, of which 63 per cent will be in the middle and high income segment compared to the current 43 per cent.

A total of over RM1.4 trillion funding is required for the duration of the economic transformation and in consistent with the strategy to make the private sector the primary driver of economic growth, 92 per cent of the NKEA funding will be private investment with public funding taking up the remainder.

In addition, the domestic direct investment will account for 73 per cent of total private investment with the remaining 27 per cent coming from foreign direct investment.

“The ETP is beyond a plan, it is something that you and I can contribute. It will create job opportunities that will pay you more and those in the rural areas will have a fair share of the development,” said Idris.

nazrey

November 24th, 2010, 01:30 AM

RM492 Million Spent On Sabah Development Corridor Under 9MP
November 22, 2010 14:20 PM
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=544517&cat=sbe

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- A total of RM492 million has been spent to implement Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) projects and activities under the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) as of Sept 30 this year, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said.

Musa, who is state Finance Minister, said the amount was from the RM918 million allocated by the federal government.

"The money was spent to carry out most of the 20 studies as well as preparatory works and implement 34 main projects of the SDC.

"Some of these studies, works and sub-projects have been completed or are nearing completion," he said in reply to Au Kam Wah (BN-Elopura) during question time at the State Legislative Assembly sitting, here Monday.

He said the state government was confident that the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia) would be able to implement all the major projects by this year.

Replying to Kamarlin Ombi (BN-Lumadan), Musa said projects under the National key Results Area (NKRA) for Sabah were progressing smoothly.

"So far, 213.5km of rural roads have been completed, exceeding the initial target of 192.58km for 2010.

"For the supply of fresh water, a total of 9,747 houses in the rural area have been provided with the facility while the remaining 8,396 houses will obtain the supply later this year," he said.

For rural electricity, Musa said, 10,694 houses were provided with the facility this year while the supply for the remaining 7,449 houses would be installed by end of this year.

A total 688 houses under the housing programme for the poor had been completed while another 1,788 units are currently under construction and expected to be completed by 2012, he said.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

November 24th, 2010, 01:31 AM

Sabah To Initiate Bio-Xchange Programme Next Year
November 23, 2010 15:03 PM
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=544782&cat=sbe

KOTA KINABALU, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- The Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) will be initiating the Sabah Bio-Xchange programme next year.

It was aimed at ensuring optimum outcome in the development of biotech industry in the state, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said in a speech at the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) Seminar on Investment Opportunities In Sabah Biotech Industry here Tuesday.

In the speech read out by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Peter Pang En Yin, he said that in order to optimise the resources needed to mobilise the biotech industry in Sabah, there must be coordination in the implementation of various initiatives.

"It is imperative for Sabah to leverage the existing biotech initiatives and conservation work as a sustainable force to draw research and commercialisation activities into the state," he said.

Musa who is also Chairman of SEDIA, the one-stop authority driving SDC, said Sabah had great potential to be a global hub for biotech industry especially in agro biotechnology.

Under the SDC initiative, the vision for agriculture is to make Sabah a leading agri-resource production region in Asia.

Musa said the SDC First Phase (2008-2010) had been spearheaded by the public sector spending and investments in basic physical infrastructure and human capital.

During the Second Phase of SDC (2011-2015), coinciding with the Tenth Malaysia Plan, private sector-led investments would be expected to take shape and play a more active role.

"The SDC initiative endeavours to leverage Sabah's comparative advantage and inherent strengths, namely its strategic location, rich resources, as well as cultural and biological diversity to capture, catalyse and expand high economic activities.

"A common platform that is cross-disciplinary and collaborative in nature is very much needed to engage related stakeholders," said Musa.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

November 26th, 2010, 05:56 PM

Investors keen on Sabah bonds – Musa
Posted on November 26, 2010, Friday
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=77075

SABAH managed its finances well, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, saying it proved the state is “bankable” as investors are confident and satisfied to invest and buy bonds issued by the state government.

He said the bonds issuance is a cheaper way to finance approved commercial projects that would be potentially profitable and generate long-term benefits to the state.

“If these projects are financed through loans from commercial banks, agencies and government-linked companies, it may require two to three per cent higher interest payment compared to the coupon rate.

“In addition, through a special mechanism, management of the bonds can be better implemented through the Sabah Development Bank and that the government is prepared to repay the bonds when it matures, without any problems,” said the Finance Minister in his winding-up speech during the 13th State Assembly sitting, yesterday.

In reply to concerns raised by Pantai Manis assemblyman Datuk Rahim Ismail and Luyang assemblywoman Melanie Chia, he said the bonds have been included into the state revenue as stipulated in the Treasury Ruling.

“As a transparent government, bond yields should be included in the estimated state revenue as the Ruling requires that all money received, be it by the federal or state government, must be included in the Federal Consolidated Fund or the State Consolidated Fund.

On issues related to youth development, he said the recently unveiled State Budget 2011, with the theme ‘Prosperity Through a Holistic Approach’, the state government promised integrated and comprehensive approaches to develop the younger generations of Sabah.

“This means that youth development is not only accountable to the Youth and Sports Ministry but also gets attention from ministries or departments concerned. The ministry may only be allocated a total RM69.41 million allocation, but some provisions related to youth development are also distributed to ministries and other relevant departments,” he said.

Musa regarded the Sabah Budget 2011 as a pragmatic and realistic financial plan.

“I am happy that all assemblymen have shared constructive criticisms to help us to develop and provide better welfare for to the people,” he said.

nazrey

March 18th, 2011, 04:49 PM

40,000 jobs created under SDC in '09
Published on: Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) has had a generally positive impact on the State's investment climate, economy and income growth, employment opportunities and socio-economic well-being following the first phase of implementation from 2008 to 2010.

Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia) in its annual report and SDC performance said it had been transparent, uphold a high standard of corporate governance, and complied with the established policies and procedures without taking any short cut.

It said that often, however, there have been much confusion, half-truths and incorrect information going around about the progress of SDC, especially if the sources or authors remain unanimous.

It, therefore, put the record straight on the performance of SDC, especially with the completion of the First Phase.

A key measure of success for the First Phase was in ensuring that all flagship SDC projects such as POIC Lahad Datu, POIC Sandakan, Sandakan Education Hub, Keningau Integrated Livestock Centre, Sabah Agro-Industrial Precinct, Agropolitan Projects and major SDC infrastructure projects had commenced.

Read more: http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=77396

nazrey

April 4th, 2011, 01:29 AM

46 Computer Labs In Sabah Listed On 10MP's Second Rolling Plan
Bernama – Sat, Apr 2, 2011 11:16 PM MYT
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/newsindex.php?id=575872

PENSIANGAN (Sabah), April 2 (Bernama) -- A total of 46 computer laboratories out of 300 to be built in Sabah will be listed in the second rolling plan of the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP), Deputy Education Minister Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi said today.

He said the decision was made in view of their locations which were found to unsuitable.

"In terms of safety, we notice that these are located near the riverbanks and exposed to land erosion.

"We therefore include them in the second rolling plan so that suitable places can be found," he told reporters during a trip to several schools in this interior district Saturday.

The deputy minister also said the ministry was confident of achieving 87 per cent pre-school pupils'' intake next year as targeted under the National Key Result Areas for the ministry.

This, he said, was based on the 72.04 per cent intake achieved last year.

Meanwhile, Mohd Puad announced that Sekolah Kebangsaan Kuala Pensiangan has been chosen from among 30 pioneer schools for the prodigy programme aimed at motivating students to achieve excellence.

He said the programme, in the form of modules, would be implemented in May before being expanded to other schools.

-- BERNAMA

nazrey

June 28th, 2011, 03:23 PM

Second phase of SDC to accelerate Sabah’s economic growth — Sedia
Posted on June 23, 2011, Thursday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/06/23/second-phase-of-sdc-to-accelerate-sabah’s-economic-growth-—-sedia/

KOTA KINABALU: The second phase of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC), between 2011 and 2015, will see accelerated economic growth with greater private investment and first class human capital development, said Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia) chief executive officer Datuk Dr Yaakub Johari.

“In this timeline, we anticipate tourism to surpass a 10 per cent share of gross domestic product (GDP), the creation of critical small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) serving downstream manufacturing companies, and to have agri-businesses that participate in high value agriculture,” he said here yesterday.

He said the SDC managed to secure a record RM30.6 billion in investments during the first phase (2008-2010), whereby RM11.95 billion was realised, surpassing the target of RM11.3 billion.

“New business and investment opportunities have also been generated arising from the implementation of the various SDC projects.

“The resulting vibrant investment climate has further boosted investor confidence and encouraged substantial investments into Sabah.

“Sabah has been receiving enquiries and visitors from foreign investors and embassy officials regarding investment opportunities in SDC.

“Sedia is now in the midst of negotiating with potential investors from Brunei, Middle Eastern countries, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, China, India, South Korea and Japan,” Dr Yaakub added.

He said the implementation of SDC projects, as well as, new investment opportunities have created new business and employment opportunities for professionals, skilled, semi skilled and unskilled construction workers.

“In terms of job opportunities and employment creation, about 32,900 new jobs were created in 2008 following the launch of SDC and more than 40,000 new jobs in 2009,” he said.

Dr Yaakub said the third phase (2016-2025) of the SDC would see Sabah emerging as one of the leading economic regions, particularly, in resource-based industries.

“With this in mind, we envision Kota Kinabalu to become one of the most liveable cities in Asia, an emerging metropolis which draws talent, capital and companies.

“The SDC is not only about economic prosperity…we aspire to have people living together in harmony regardless of race, language or religion,” he added. — Bernama

nazrey

June 28th, 2011, 05:04 PM

Sabah can be sub-regional capital
by Nancy Lai. Posted on June 28, 2011, Tuesday
http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/06/28/sabah-can-be-sub-regional-capital/

Oxford Business Group report says state has potential for economic expansion

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has huge potential for economic expansion given its geographical location and abundant resources as well as the development of new sectors such as the oil and gas.

Such were the findings of a ground breaking report published by the Oxford Business Group (OBG) which was launched by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman here yesterday.

OBG Regional Editor (Asia) Paulius Kuncinas in his speech yesterday said given its strategic location and resources, Sabah is a natural choice for many industries and a contender for the status of a sub-regional capital.

“With the effective implementation of the initiaves now under way, this may be a prize soon captured by the Land Below the Wind,” he said.

“The Report: Sabah 2011″ is OBG’s first report on a Malaysian state and it provides an in-depth coverage of the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) blueprint and considers the interest that the long-term plan has generated among global investors.

The publication, he pointed out, charts the new wave of projects which spans agricultural infrastructure, transport, tourism and logistics while analysing the role they are set to play in Sabah’s plans to become a leading economic and investment hub by 2025.

“It is worth stating that the reason why our publishing group decided to come here was because we discovered there are attractive investment opportunities for both domestic and foreign investors, some of which have been overlooked by the mainstream investors,” he said.

According to Kuncinas, their basic thesis expressed in the Report was that Sabah is well positioned to benefit from the recent growth in ASEAN and is well located in the Borneo region to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the next five to 10 years.

“We have found there are a number of sectors, outside the traditional, like tourism, agri-business and energy which could benefit from the greater involvement of the private sector and investment. We think the policy momentum created by the 10th Malaysia Plan’s development programme will fuel fresh interest from smart investors looking to locate in the country’s most progressive regions with Sabah offering most compelling cases,” he said.

In terms of specific findings, OBG was of the opinion Sabah will increase its overall share in Malaysia’s GDP from six per cent to 10 per cent in the next five years as it will grow faster than the more saturated peninsular Malaysia.

Growth in the service sector, one of the growth drivers, will likely push the total GDP to USD12 billion with an average annual growth of above five per cent.

“One of the challenges going forward would be to try and reduce dependency on commodities and the tourism sector which when combined, continued to dominate the economic activity in the state,” he said and stressed that one of the key growth areas is likely to be the service-related sectors that offer support services to established plantations, agriculture, energy and the manufacturing industries,” Kuncinas added.

OBG found it encouraging that Sabah had managed to post a 6.8 per cent growth in services despite the rise in prices of commodities recently and this will help diversify the overall economic mix of the state’s economy, he said.

“It is our firm belief that to achieve sustainable growth and the advanced economy status included in Malaysia’s 2020 vision, Sabah needs to focus on creating alternative sources of growth by focusing its efforts on education, research and innovation,” he said.

Kuncinas was also of the opinion that retaining the young talent within the state will be the key to further productivity growth and advancing the economy beyond natural resources.

The Report also stated that Sabah’s exports in 2011 will continue to be dominated by palm oil, palm kernel oil, rubber, crude petroleum and processed woods. It believed that these will continue to provide the income momentum in the next five to 10 years.

“Looking at the trade data, we found a high share of processed fuels, lubricants and minerals which accounted for 18.3 per cent of the total in 2011. This confirms our view there is still huge investment opportunities in the downstream segments, especially in the oil and gas sectors with Sabah in a good position to become one of the leading downstream processing centres in Borneo.

“We also see the upside in the logistics sector with Sabah well positioned to cater for the remote regions of East Asia with the Sepanggar Bay Container Port well placed to become one of the leading trans-shipment centres of BIMP-EAGA,” he said.

Kucinas however pointed out that one of the long-term structural issues that will need to be addressed is the cabotage policy along with Malaysia’s hub and spoke transport policy and he added that a number of businesses interviewed by OBG said the logistics operating costs in Sabah are higher than in Peninsular which undermined the state’s competitiveness.

OBG was encouraged however to learn that the state is now addressing the vital issue of external and internal connectivity through infrastructure upgrade investment. Through the SDC programme, the government is implementing road and rail projects across the state that will have substantial benefits for both movement of goods as well as the tourism sector.

“Our base case scenario is that Sabah’s economy will continue to outperform other Malaysian states with GDP per capita increases helping to drive rural and urban development across the entire state with new growth sectors coming on stream in the next five to 10 years,” he stressed.

nazrey

September 12th, 2011, 04:10 PM

Sabah to create packages to attract investments in bio-tech and ICT industries
By MUGUNTAN VANAR. Monday September 12, 2011
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/9/12/southneast/9461940&sec=southneast

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will customise a competitive package under the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) to attract private investments particularly in knowledge intensive sectors.

Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman said anchor companies, were being eyed for new investments and encouragement would be given to bio-tech and ICT industries for designated strategic development areas.

Speaking at the seventh Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA), he said Sabah was promoting its potential through trade missions both by the state and national agencies.

“The response from these missions has been very fruitful and since 2008 there is cumulative planned investment in SDC which has reached RM57 bil in June,” he said.

He said the tourism and real estate sector had attracted about RM22.1bil or 39% of the total planned investment while manufacturing, oil and gas and energy drew about RM26bil or 45.6% of the investments planned.

However, he said that the agriculture sector, which was the state’s backbone, was lagging in terms of new investments making up about RM3.2bil or 5.5% of the planned investments.

However, Musa was hopeful that it would change with the implementation of agro-based projects under the SDC.

The Chief Minister said aggressive implementation of SDC especially in agriculture would mitigate the increase in food prices while opening up economic opportunity for the rural people.

Musa said that agro-based projects include the Palm Oil Industrial Clusters in Sandakan and Lahad Datu, agro based projects in Tongod, Pitas, Kota Belud, Kemabong, Beluran Keningau Integrated Livestock Centre, permanent Food Production Parks and Sabah Agro-Industrial Precinct and Fisheries Complex in Kuala Penyu.

Musa said there has been interest from Brunei and Kalimantan to enhance trade ties.

nazrey

December 16th, 2011, 04:38 PM

Sabah growth projects show good results
Joniston BangkuaiPublished: 2011/12/16
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/SABAHCOR/Article/#ixzz1ghzW20qI

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/SABAHCOR/pix_topright

KOTA KINABALU: The government's decision to establish the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) in 2008 has begun to yield results with cumulative investment committed breaching RM63 billion as at last month.

More than RM16 billion of the investment committed has been realised.

The figures did not include the amount spent on new SDC entry point projects identified following the Regional Cities and Corridors Lab, which will only be announced during its Open Day, scheduled for early next year.

Disclosing the figures at the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) meeting here, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman also announced that more than RM1 billion of the RM1.27 billion allocated to SDC for projects under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP, 2006-2010) had been channelled to SEDIA as at the end of November.

A total of RM958 million, or 94 per cent from the RM1 billion disbursed to SEDIA had been spent as at December 5 as payment for works and services rendered for SDC projects listed under the 9MP, but carried over into the 10th Malaysia Plan (2011-2015).

The balance of the outstanding allocation is expected to be channelled to SEDIA, the implementing and monitoring agency for all SDC projects, next year.

During the Second Rolling Plan commencing next year, Musa expects SDC to be given an allocation of RM416 million; out of which RM206 million was for 2012 and RM210 million for 2013.

For the year 2012-2013, SEDIA will continue to implement outstanding SDC projects, in addition to carrying out new ones, including those under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).

Development programmes under the Second Rolling Plan will be guided by the SEDIA Corporate Plan 2012-2013. During that period, the authority will accord greater emphasis on measures to realise planned investment and promote investment in industries with the potential to add value to Sabah's economy. By Joniston Bangkuai