Phoong (fifth) during a visit to Twinine Sdn Bhd
KOTA KINABALU: Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe has visited local manufacturing industries in Sabah to understand the challenges of small and medium-sized industries and to explore ways to support their growth and development.
The tour, organised by the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers Sabah James Ha, began with a visit to Twinine Sdn Bhd, a renowned soy sauce factory.
Twinine produces not only soy sauce but also a variety of other products, including bottled and bagged tomato sauce, chilli oil, pepper powder, vinegar and oyster sauce, which are also for export to Sarawak and Brunei
Phoong said that despite its modest size, the factory is well-equipped, indicating its potential for growth and contribution to the development of local brands in Sabah.
He also visited Kimanis Food Industries Sdn Bhd, known for its D-Jack brand of snack foods, which are also exported to over 25 countries.
Accompanied by Ha, the Minister met with Datuk Alan Ang to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the food processing industry.
Phoong emphasised his commitment to assisting local manufacturers like Kimanis Food in scaling up and upgrading production capacity to reach larger global export markets.
The tour concluded with a visit to Taluwang Sdn Bhd, a producer of ice cream potong with various fruit flavours that are popular among locals and tourists.
Taluwang owner Vincent shared insights into their business challenges and opportunities.
Phoong highlighted a significant contribution made through the Sabah SME Upscaling Programme (SME-UP) last year, which approved a grant for an RM80,000-worth ice cream freezing machine for Taluwang.
“This machine has significantly improved production efficiency and played a crucial role in the company’s post-pandemic recovery,” he said.
The Minister assured his Ministry would continue refining assistance programmes to help local manufacturers expand and upgrade their production capacities for larger global markets.
Phoong reiterated the importance of government support for the local manufacturing industry.
“While actively promoting investment attraction, the Government must also support the local manufacturing industry, enabling it to develop and progress alongside overall economic growth,” he said.
Phoong’s visits underscored the Sabah government’s commitment to fostering a thriving manufacturing sector that contributes to the region’s economic prosperity.
