Latest news with #POICSabah
Borneo Post
16-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
POIC Sabah reaffirms long-term development goals amid election season misinformation
Gan KOTA KIKNABALU (July 16): The Sabah public is advised to be wary of half-truths and outward lies in social media in the run up to the Sabah state elections. 'Much is at stake and understandably there are intensifying pitches by many hiding behind anonymity in the informal media spaces. 'While we see the expression of dissenting views as an indicator of our healthy democracy, we need to be on guard against lies and conjectures,' said Datuk Fredian Gan, the Group Chief Executive Officer of state-owned POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd, the developer of the POIC Lahad Datu industrial park. He was responding to a recent CGA-generated video that generalised a list of state-backed economic initiatives and billion-ringgit projects as mere 'stage acts' (pentas wayang) and 'white elephants'. The clip, among others, referred to POIC Sabah's intention to grow POIC Lahad Datu into a logistics hub, dismissing it as 'still remains just a signboard'. Describing this as 'unfair, premature conclusion', Gan said: We are looking to leverage POIC Lahad Datu's outstanding harbour, location and port infrastructure to make it into a logistics hub primarily for the BIMP-EAGA territories. 'A hub evolves slowly as economies in EAGA recognise our advantages and our usefulness for growth, which every EAGA territory aspires to. 'EAGA covers territories of four Asean countries each with their uniqueness and command of different sources and strengths. 'We at POIC Sabah have been promoting BIMP-EAGA's economic relevance to the global scene is best when we are viewed as one, combining our market (80 million people), resources (palm oil, oil and gas, timber, cocoa, minerals) and our collective influence, and our aim is to make POIC Lahad Datu the centre of a conversation,' he said in a statement on Wednesday. Gan clarified that he was in no position to comment on the video clip made about several other state initiatives, but he cautioned Sabah people to be alert to spins and conjectures aimed purely at putting the state government and its agencies in a bad place. He stressed that POIC Lahad Datu was created 20 years ago to lead the deepening of Sabah's massive oil palm industry via value adding industries. The industrial park has attracted investments totalling over RM13 billion. When fully operational, more than 3,200 people will be directly employed by these investors with thousands more benefiting from the spillover effects. POIC has successfully secured principal approval from the Ministry of Finance to establish a free zone spanning 3,000 acres in a newly earmarked area in Lahad Datu. In addition, the park has been awarded Halmas status, positioning it as a certified halal hub and enhancing its appeal to investors in the halal industry. Both initiatives are currently progressing and are key components of POIC's strategic growth plan. 'We are also involved in the plans for the relocation of Lahad Datu airport. We are in the move. But there is unfortunately no quick fixes. It is rhetorical to say that development and progress take time, but there's no other way of putting it,' said Gan.
Daily Express
02-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Wildlife conservation in POIC Lahad Datu
Published on: Wednesday, July 02, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 02, 2025 Text Size: A group photo with participants of the conservation awareness programme. LAHAD DATU: POIC Sabah has reiterated its commitment to sustainable development and wildlife conservation as part of its long-term growth strategy for Sabah's east coast. A conservation awareness programme was held last Wednesday at the POIC container terminal here, jointly organised with the Lahad Datu Wildlife Department (JHL). Group Senior Port Manager of POIC Sabah Logistics Sdn Bhd Clarence Miwil said the company's development is guided by Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles introduced by the United Nations in 2004. 'We have always upheld ESG values in our operations. This includes aligning our stakeholders and investors with our goals in conservation and sustainability,' he said. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to manage potential human-wildlife conflict across the 4,725-acre coastal land developed under the POIC Sabah umbrella. Lahad Datu District Wildlife Officer Hairulnizam Hasnan said the programme aimed to raise awareness among local communities and industry players on the shared responsibility of wildlife protection. Participants also heard from three invited speakers, featuring Victor Joseph from Orangutan Appeal UK, Esther Lonnie from WWF Malaysia and Silvester Wong from the Wildlife Department, who shared insights into conservation challenges and practices in the region. The POIC Lahad Datu Industrial Park, launched in 2005 as a State Government initiative to promote downstream palm oil activities, has so far attracted RM13.6 billion in investments. Future plans to strengthen POIC's role within the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) include the development of a Maritime Academy, a Free Zone to boost regional trade and a Halal Hub to tap into the region's natural resources and serve the Muslim market. * 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
24-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
POIC Lahad Datu offers relief for East Coast trade congestion
Published on: Saturday, May 24, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 24, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: POIC Lahad Datu Port is positioning itself as a viable alternative for traders facing congestion at Tawau Port. POIC Sabah CEO Datuk Fredian Gan said the port, with facilities for container, liquid, and dry bulk cargo, is ready to support east coast trade needs. Operational since 2013 and declared a public port in 2022, it now welcomes regional and international shipping. Gan highlighted recent efficient handling of large-scale cargo and encouraged shippers to consider the port's capabilities and accessibility. * Read full report in tomorrow's print paper or log in or sign up for e-paper and premium online news access. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
