Latest news with #Moyog
Daily Express
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah seeks law reforms to boost industrial investment
Published on: Thursday, July 10, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 10, 2025 By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: Phoong said a comprehensive plan involving both tax and non-tax incentives was being drawn up to position Sabah as a more attractive and competitive investment destination. Kota Kinabalu: The State Government is currently engaging with its federal counterparts to review and reform key legislation related to industrial development and investment incentives, said State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. He said the review was necessary as some existing laws and policies may no longer be relevant in today's rapidly evolving global investment landscape. 'We are negotiating with the Federal Government to re-evaluate several Acts, including those concerning industrial development and trade incentives. 'The global investment ecosystem has changed significantly, and some of the current legislation may be outdated or no longer applicable,' he told the State Assembly, on Tuesday. Phoong was responding to Moyog Assemblyman Datuk Darell Leiking during the question-and-answer session, who had asked about the minimum infrastructure standards required by investors, whether Sabah could meet those expectations, and if state sales tax revenue could be utilised to overcome infrastructure shortcomings. Darell also queried the timeframe the ministry could commit to in upgrading infrastructure to match investor needs once a major project is approved. In reply, Phoong said the aim of the ongoing legislative review was to ensure that less developed states such as Sabah receive stronger focus and incentives to close the development gap with more advanced states. 'As a matter of principle, states that are less advanced in the manufacturing sector should be given priority and stronger incentives. 'We want to ensure that all states in Malaysia can develop in a fair and balanced manner,' he said. Phoong said a comprehensive plan involving both tax and non-tax incentives was being drawn up to position Sabah as a more attractive and competitive investment destination. 'YB Moyog is well aware of this matter. These negotiations are ongoing and involve a wide scope of reform,' he added. Phoong also said the ministry was being cautious with regard to investments that have high infrastructure demands such as data centres, which require large amounts of electricity and water. He said a well-planned approach was necessary to avoid overstressing Sabah's infrastructure. This was in response to Darel's question on why Sabah could not develop data centres like Sarawak, pointing out Sabah's abundant water supply and its strategic location to serve markets such as the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. Phoong said the proposed reforms were part of a broader long-term strategy to ensure Sabah keeps pace with national and regional economic development. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
09-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Break down budget expenses, Government told
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: 'Is this another case of political interference over contracts? If that's what's happening here, then the public is being short-changed,' Darrell said. Kota Kinabalu: The State Government must explain how it plans to spend the mid-year supplementary budget, especially when longstanding issues remain unresolved, said Moyog Assemblyman Datuk Darell Leiking. He said the revised allocation under the Chief Minister's Office for temporary Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM) appointments amounts to RM24 million, an increase of RM13 million from the previous figure. 'That's a lot of money, and it needs to be justified in writing,' he said when debating the Supplementary Supply Bill 2025 tabled by State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun at the State Legislative Assembly. He directed sharper criticism at the State's water supply problems, pointing to the Telibong II Water Treatment Plant as a key example. 'Although the plant was reportedly completed two or three years ago, the contract for the piping works was only issued last year and they are still ongoing. 'That means the water crisis isn't due to infrastructure limitations, but administrative delays,' he said. 'Ordinary people are the ones left dealing with the consequences.' He suggested the delays might stem from internal disputes, comparing the situation to the stalled Pan Borneo Highway project where contract and political issues were widely blamed. 'Is this another case of political interference over contracts? If that's what's happening here, then the public is being short-changed,' Darrell said. He also raised concern over the RM5.87 million allocation for official air transport for the Head of State and Chief Minister. Instead of relying on State-funded flights, he said the Government should opt for more economical alternatives, citing his experience as former Minister of International Trade and Industry (Miti). 'I used travel warrants and credit cards. We booked online and saved tens of thousands on each trip,' he said. He noted that business class flights from Kuala Lumpur to London could cost up to RM50,000 through official channels, while online bookings could bring the cost down to RM15,000 or less. 'This is not about comfort, it's about responsibility,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
06-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
MyKiosk a failure in Donggongon
Pritchard PENAMPANG (July 6): The failure of the MyKiosk initiative in Donggongon, Penampang has raised serious concerns. Political secretary to Moyog assemblyman Datuk Darell Leiking, Pritchard Gumbaris calls it a 'poorly planned, rushed and burdensome project that is failing the very people it was meant to help.' 'What was meant to empower small traders has become a showcase of neglect. The MyKiosk area is leaking, poorly located, lacks basic infrastructure like water and cleanliness, and traders are being charged up to RM350 per month after paying a RM1,050 deposit. This is not assistance — it's punishment,' he said in a statement on Sunday. Only two of 10 kiosks in Donggongon are in use. Pritchard revealed that upon inspection of 10 kiosks at the Donggongon site, only two were in use — while the rest were empty. 'This is a clear sign that something is seriously wrong. Traders are either unable or unwilling to operate in these conditions. Why build kiosks no one can use? This is a waste of public funds. 'One trader told me his kiosk leaks when it rains. MPP's (Penampang Municipal Council) response was to cover it with tape. He has no access to piped water and has to buy water daily from a nearby dispenser just to run his business. This is what they're forced to deal with. 'Some kiosks are placed far away near the riverbank at Jalan Kodundungan, where there's almost no foot traffic. Others must compete directly with long-time vendors at the Donggongon market. These location decisions are disastrous. The traders are set up to fail, and their security is also at risk in these isolated spots. 'Despite claims by the federal ministry that rental is capped at RM300, traders here are being charged RM350 monthly, plus RM1,050 deposit — all for substandard infrastructure with no water and no drainage. Where is the fairness in this?' he asked. Pritchard reminded the public that the majority of MPP councillors were appointed by DAP and UPKO, and elected assemblypersons — including those from the government bloc — sit in monthly MPP meetings. 'Why have these issues not been raised? Are they ignoring the suffering of the traders? These are their own constituents. Their silence is unacceptable.' 'Across the country, people are questioning the high cost of kiosk construction. When traders are left with leaking kiosks and no water — we have to ask: where did the money go?' 'These kiosks are within Kepayan constituency. These traders are her voters. As a DAP representative and colleague of Federal Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, Jannie Lasimbang must speak up and act. We cannot afford silent bystanders.' Pritchard also pointed out that there is not a single public dustbin at the kiosk site and the whole of Donggongon town. 'And yet we expect cleanliness? How can basic urban services be so badly neglected?' He urged the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, MPP and relevant state authorities to act immediately: 1. Repair leaking kiosks and ensure they meet proper standards. 2. Install piped water access and improve drainage. 3. Provide public dustbins and regular cleaning of kiosk areas and Donggongon town. 4. Relocate kiosks in low-traffic and insecure zones. 5. Fully disclose the cost and contractors of kiosk construction. 6. Review and standardise rent and deposits fairly. 7. Ensure selection of genuine, local Penampang traders in need. 8. Hold local councillors and assemblypersons accountable for their role and inaction. 'The MyKiosk initiative was supposed to empower — not exploit — our people. Instead, it has become a glaring example of poor planning, failed oversight, and neglect. If the government truly champions micro-entrepreneurs, it must stop hiding behind press releases and start solving real problems on the ground,' added Pritchard.
