MIDE has approved grants for the purchase of new machinery for Sajiria Sdn Bhd through DIDR to help increase their production capacity and scale up their business.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has the potential to become a major export-oriented state, said Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister (MIDE) Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe.
“It is crucial that we support our local industries to realise this potential,” he said during his “Jelajah Santuni Industri Tempatan MIDE” initiative today with visits to five manufacturing facilities within the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP).
He was accompanied by the Federation of Sabah Industries (FSI) President Richard Lim, KKIP Group Senior Vice President Cecilia Amid and senior officials from the Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR).
The factories visited included Johor Bahru Flour Mill Sdn Bhd, Hock Min Coffee Factory Sdn Bhd, Sajiria Sdn Bhd, C&F Enterprise Sdn Bhd and Borneo Flexible Packaging Sdn Bhd.
“I am committed to visiting as many local manufacturers as possible before the
end of this year.
“My goal is to be on the ground, to fully understand the challenges faced by our local manufacturers,” said Phoong.
He said his Ministry and agencies are dedicated to providing the necessary support to help local manufacturers upscale and expand.
“Each manufacturer operates within a unique ecosystem, and by engaging directly with them, we can better tailor our efforts to meet their needs.
“Last year, my Ministry via DIDR, approved grants for the purchase of new machinery for Hock Min Coffee Factory Sdn Bhd and Sajiria Sdn Bhd to help increase their production capacity and scale up their business.
“I am pleased to see both machines in use, contributing to the growth of these local manufacturers,” he said.
During his visit to C&F Enterprise Sdn Bhd, Phoong met with Mr. Chan Kheng Khoon, the company’s owner, whose renowned local snack brand, Hari-Hari has achieved significant international success, with 50% of its turnover derived from exports to over 20 countries, including key markets in
the Middle East and South Korea.
“I am proud to see our local products
making inroads into international markets.
“Let’s work together to further expand these markets, particularly into China and Africa in the near future.”
At Johor Bahru Flour Mill Sdn Bhd, Phoong was given a comprehensive tour of the facility by Managing Director Soh Kian Kiat.
The Minister underscored the importance of bolstering the local wheat flour ecosystem, especially as Sabah is Malaysia’s third most populous state.
“There is a significant demand for wheat-based products in Sabah, and I encourage our local eateries to source their flour locally to strengthen our domestic ecosystem.”
During his visit to Hock Min Coffee Factory Sdn Bhd, a family-run business producing 1 to 2 tonnes of coffee powder for local consumption, Phoong highlighted the potential for growth within Sabah’s coffee industry.
He suggested examining the entire supply chain, noting that Sabah could position itself to produce and export premium coffee beans.
The Minister also facilitated a connection between Lawrence Lee, owner of Hock Min Coffee, and the Borneo Coffee Alliance, a subsidiary of FSI, aimed at promoting Sabah’s coffee products both domestically and internationally.
Phoong also expressed his appreciation to Macellus Michael, owner of Sajiria Sdn Bhd, and Law Chai Soon, Managing Director of Borneo Flexible Packaging Sdn Bhd, for their support and collaboration during the visits.
“As we continue our efforts to strengthen and support local industries, I look forward to extending my tour to other local manufacturing sectors across Sabah.
“The Sabah Government remains steadfast in our commitment to working hand-in-hand with industry players to achieve this vision,” he said.
So far, Phoong has visited 20 manufacturers in KKIP, Inanam, Penampang, Kunak and Tawau.
