Phoong Jin Zhe
KOTA KINABALU: Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe has expressed his commitment to collaborating closely with private sector representatives and addressing several critical issues facing Sabah’s development.
He said he is eager to work closely with industry players to elevate Sabah to greater heights and his monthly meetings with key industry figures demonstrate his dedication to understanding the nuances of Sabah’s development.
Phoong was speaking at a fellowship dinner hosted by Sabah Housing And Real Estate Developers Association (SHAREDA) here recently.
One of the key issues highlighted during the event was economic security, a matter of paramount importance in an increasingly interconnected world.
Phoong said global events that have disrupted supply chains, including the Ukraine War, the China trade war, and the Palestinian-Israel conflict have had ripple effects, particularly impacting the construction sector but he assured that he would bring this concern to the Cabinet, emphasising the necessity of safeguarding the supply chain for raw materials, given its significant impact on the construction industry.
He pointed out that post-Covid-19, steel prices had surged by 30-40 per cent, while cement prices had risen due to a single factory producing cement in Sabah.
Such challenges necessitate immediate attention to secure the state’s economic stability, he added.
Phoong also spoke about the global commitment to zero emissions by 2050, emphasising the need for GHG (Greenhouse Gas) compliance.
He urged SHAREDA to take the lead in adopting green building practices to align with international standards. The construction sector, being a major contributor to carbon emissions, must adapt to these evolving regulations to reduce its environmental footprint, he said.
On the aging commercial buildings and public housing in need of renewal, Phoong urged SHAREDA to take the lead in proposing constructive agendas for the Government to rejuvenate these structures.
He said collaborative efforts can enhance the overall quality of the state’s infrastructure.
SHAREDA President Datuk Chua Soon Ping who was also present said Sabah’s development could be classified into four core sectors: tourism, industrial, commercial, and residential, and each sector has its unique challenges and opportunities, making it vital to work closely with both government agencies and industry players to create a thriving and sustainable environment.
He also disclosed SHAREDA’s plans to venture into international territories, particularly China.
Collaborating with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor, he said SHAREDA intends to attract foreign direct investments into Sabah.
Such investments can bolster the industrial sector and contribute significantly to the state’s economic growth, he added.
Chua also echoed Phoong’s call for GHG compliance and green building practices. He said SHAREDA recognises the importance of embracing sustainable and environmentally responsible development practices, and as such, they expressed a keen interest in starting an Electric Vehicle (EV) hub.
“The potential to bring in BYD, a renowned electric vehicle manufacturer, to establish an industry in Sabah holds promise for the state’s future in sustainable transportation,” he said.
Chua also shared the association’s plans to utilise local resources, such as the high-purity silica sand from Kudat, to produce tempered glass for solar panels. This endeavour could not only promote the use of clean and renewable energy but also provide employment opportunities for the local workforce, he said.
To facilitate the transition to solar energy, SHAREDA sought to address the challenges associated with the local energy provider, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB), which previously discouraged solar panel installation due to potential financial losses. However, with the introduction of a new energy commission by the Sabah Government, SESB would be required to adapt to these changes.
He said this shift opens up opportunities for developing solar panels and generating clean energy, not only for self-consumption but also for supplying surplus energy back to the main grid, contributing to the overall energy security of Sabah.The next upcoming event of a camaraderie and excellence award dinner will be celebrated at the 45th Anniversary of SHAREDA Nite 2023: The Art of Music: A Night of Harmony will be held on November 3, 2023, at 6:30 pm, at the Magellan Sutera Harbour.
