Phoong Jin Zhe
KOTA KINABALU: Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe reaffirmed that the primary goal of the Sabah Trade Centre redevelopment initiative is to provide the people of Sabah with a modern and effective trade centre, driving economic development for local small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs).
He said iInitially, the previous government had engaged in an agreement to sell the prime land, but the current State Cabinet has agreed to reverse the decision in 2023 and retain the Sabah Trade Centre, which is now under the purview of his Ministry.
“We will not sell the land as the previous government decided, this is for certain,” he said firmly.
“It is important to note that the decision to withdraw the sale of the land, which was initially made a decade ago, reflects the present Government’s commitment to prioritising the interests of the Sabahans,” he added.
Phoong said the pivotal decision has paved the way for a fresh start and the opportunity to reimagine the Sabah Trade Centre as a vibrant hub for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and trade activities.
“We are committed to ensuring that the Sabah Trade Centre becomes a beacon of economic growth and provides a platform for local Sabahan entrepreneurs. We are not selling the Sabah Trade Centre or the land to any private sector,” he said in a statement today in response to stakeholders’ opinions and suggestions to revitalise the worn-out Sabah Trade Centre, including those from former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee.
“I welcome the recent idea from SME Sabah President Professor Datuk Foo Ngee Kee who proposed to rejuvenate the Sabah Trade Centre to become an SME Hub. This aligns perfectly with the Ministry’s aspiration and direction,” said Phoong.
“Instead of just patching things up here and there, we envision an inclusive rejuvenation that ensures the Sabah Trade Centre is fully functional and supports the growth of SMEs, facilitating meaningful economic exchanges,” he added.
