Sabah Development Corridor

[rizalhakim]

Sabah Development Corridor too quiet after launch
by Sharon Tan
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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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]

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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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]

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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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Originally Posted by rizalhakim

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

Wowwww!

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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

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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]

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.