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Sabah's halal promise: A second chance at a multi-trillion dollar future
Sabah's halal promise: A second chance at a multi-trillion dollar future

Borneo Post

time21-06-2025

  • Business
  • Borneo Post

Sabah's halal promise: A second chance at a multi-trillion dollar future

Sabah, our Land Below the Wind, has always brimmed with potential. We've talked about it for years, a whispered promise of what could be. Yet, that promise, particularly in the expanding global halal economy, often felt like a distant dream — ambitious, yes, but perpetually just out of reach, until now. The recent announcement from Qhazanah Sabah Berhad (QSB), the state government under the leadership of Datuk Seri Panglima Hj Hajiji Haji Noor's strategic investment arm, changes the narrative entirely. Their plan for a new SME Halal Industrial Park on 8.09 hectares within the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) isn't just about laying bricks and mortar. This is a comprehensive ecosystem designed to empower our small and medium enterprises (SMEs), providing crucial support facilities, integrating technology, offering digital platforms, guiding businesses through halal certification, and assisting with product marketing. Historically, Sabah's industrial focus has been rather narrow, concentrating on resource-based sectors like timber, palm oil and fisheries. Despite a strong local Muslim population and our enviable proximity to major halal markets, Sabah's participation in the global halal economy has remained surprisingly underdeveloped. Truth be told, our journey to this point has been paved with missed opportunities. Early on, Sabah and even our neighbor Labuan were touted as natural halal gateways, strategically located along vital shipping routes. Plans were drawn, land earmarked, and significant funding committed. Remember the much-publicized Labuan Halal Distribution Hub, launched in 2009 with RM86 million? It became a textbook case of a 'mega investment flop,' failing to export a single product. What a shame. Similar ventures in Brunei Bay and by KKIP itself also faded into obscurity. The root cause was not merely bureaucratic red tape — it stemmed from a deeper, more fundamental misunderstanding of what 'halal' truly means in the context of a modern supply chain. Too often, we reduce halal to ritual slaughter or a certification stamp, overlooking the fact that a 'NO PORK SERVED' sign is not synonymous with halal. Halal is a comprehensive system of ethical and spiritual assurance that governs every stage of a product's lifecycle — from careful sourcing and processing to secure packaging, transportation, storage, and retail handling. It embodies a fusion of faith-based values and rigorous logistical standards. Genuine halal integrity necessitates that products are not only certified but also scrupulously protected from any form of contamination — physical, chemical, or religious — at every single touchpoint. This demands dedicated halal logistics, segregated storage and robust traceability. Past initiatives stumbled precisely because they overlooked these practical requirements, constructing facilities without the crucial supporting ecosystem of trained logistics providers or real-time visibility technologies. The consequence? Halal products often lose their integrity the moment they leave the factory gates. Against this sobering backdrop, the news of the SME Halal Industrial Park is both welcome and, frankly, critically overdue. This time, Sabah or QSB must transcend the mere provision of physical infrastructure. A comprehensive halal ecosystem is urgently needed, firmly anchored by three essential pillars: Logistics Integrity, Digital Visibility, and robust Supply Chain Governance. Logistics Integrity is non-negotiable. Halal and non-halal goods must be kept strictly separate during storage, handling and transport, especially in environments where mixed cargo is common, like ports and distribution centers. Dedicated halal transport fleets and warehouses, backed by certifications from respected bodies like JAKIM, are no longer optional amenities but fundamental necessities. Digital Visibility will form the very backbone of Halal Trust. Technologies like RFID, GPS and blockchain offer powerful tools to meticulously track the movement of goods, verify their chain-of-custody, and provide real-time assurance to both regulatory bodies and discerning consumers. While the initial investment in such technologies may seem significant, they present Sabah with a unique opportunity to leapfrog older, less efficient models and establish itself as a truly smart halal hub. Finally, effective Supply Chain Governance mandates seamless collaboration among state agencies, halal certifiers, logistics providers and the SMEs themselves. Without coordinated training initiatives, transparent information sharing, and stringent quality control, even the most thoughtfully designed industrial park risks becoming another white elephant. The Halal Development Corporation (HDC), working in close tandem with JAKIM and local universities, should be empowered to establish a Halal Excellence Centre in Sabah, serving as both a vigilant watchdog and a dynamic think tank. Malaysia's JAKIM halal certification remains a globally trusted benchmark, recognized by 85-88 international bodies across 47-49 countries. This provides Sabah's halal industry with a significant export advantage. We've seen notable growth in certified companies, rising from 249 in 2014 to approximately 350 today, reflecting sector expansion. This growth underscores the critical need for continued, comprehensive SME capacity-building and inclusive onboarding programs. This is essential to ensure our Bumiputera businesses fully participate in and benefit from Sabah's expanding halal economy. This is a profound opportunity to uplift micro-enterprises, particularly those in rural areas that remain uncertified due to a lack of awareness, technical support, or capital. With proper incubation and targeted training, the halal sector can transform into a powerful vehicle for economic justice, alongside its potential for export growth. Moreover, the halal economy extends far beyond the food sector. It encompasses pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care products, tourism, fashion, and even Islamic fintech. Sabah holds distinctive advantages that can be strategically leveraged across these diverse industries. Imagine our eco-tourism lodges offering tailored halal hospitality packages, catering to the rising number of Muslim travelers not only from within Malaysia but also from BIMP-EAGA, the Far East, the Middle East, and Europe. Or consider the potential of halal-certified herbal products, derived from Sabah's extraordinarily biodiverse forests, to secure a foothold in the expanding global halal wellness market. Sabah has, arguably, slumbered too long on its halal potential. But the era of mere dreaming is over. The Halal Industrial Park initiative by QSB must be seen not just as a development project, but as a strategic reset for the entire state. It presents a crucial second chance to position Sabah as a credible, indispensable node in the global halal supply chain. Success will not be measured by the scale of its infrastructure or the polish of its promotional materials. Instead, it will rest on an unwavering commitment to integrity, the precise execution of advanced systems, and strict adherence to international standards. Most importantly, it will depend on Sabah's ability to align vision with infrastructure and execution, elevating the halal economy from a symbolic label to a principled way of doing business. This weekend, as we reflect on Sabah's potential, let's look forward to a future where our halal promise is not just discussed but fully realized.

Qhazanah Sabah Teams Up With Bina Indah To Develop The Hill @ Damai Project
Qhazanah Sabah Teams Up With Bina Indah To Develop The Hill @ Damai Project

Barnama

time16-06-2025

  • Business
  • Barnama

Qhazanah Sabah Teams Up With Bina Indah To Develop The Hill @ Damai Project

REGION - SABAH > NEWS KOTA KINABALU, June 16 (Bernama) -- Qhazanah Sabah Bhd (QSB) today signed a joint development agreement (JDA) with Bina Indah Development Sdn Bhd for the development of The Hill @ Damai here. QSB chairman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob said the JDA outlines the development of a mixed-use urban revitalisation project on 5.26 hectares located adjacent to Hospital Queen Elizabeth II. He said The Hill @ Damai will be Sabah's first development integrating a medical ecosystem with a high-end modern commercial precinct, with an estimated gross development value exceeding RM500 million. bootstrap slideshow 'This groundbreaking development will be a modern commercial hub that combines medical ecosystem development with contemporary lifestyle offerings. Among other features, the project will provide more than 1,500 parking bays,' he said in his speech at the signing ceremony at Menara Kinabalu here today. Yusof said the state government believes the project will generate significant economic benefits at a macro level and provide substantial revenue for both QSB and the state government. Signing on behalf of QSB were Yusof and deputy group chief executive officer Rudy Jaglul, while Bina Indah Development was represented by director Kenyo Chu and executive director Allison Tey Phing Phing. Sabah Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe witnessed the ceremony. When completed, The Hill @ Damai is expected to offer over 500,000 square feet of commercial space. The project, slated for completion within five years, is projected to create over 1,000 jobs and attract substantial economic activities.

Sabah's first medical-lifestyle hub
Sabah's first medical-lifestyle hub

Borneo Post

time16-06-2025

  • Business
  • Borneo Post

Sabah's first medical-lifestyle hub

Dr Yusof (left) and Chu (right) exchange the signed joint venture agreement, witnessed by Phoong and invited guests. KOTA KINABALU (June 16): Qhazanah Sabah Berhad (QSB) has reached a major milestone in Sabah's development trajectory with the signing of a joint development agreement (JDA) for The Hill @ Damai, a transformative mixed-use medical and commercial hub in Luyang. The ceremony, held at Menara Kinabalu, was witnessed by Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe and QSB chairman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob. It marks the State Government's commitment to inclusive economic growth by merging urban renewal with small and medium enterprise (SME) empowerment. Under the JDA, QSB will collaborate with Bina Indah Development Sdn Bhd (BIDSB) to bring to life the RM500 million project, which sits on a 13-acre elevated parcel of land behind Queen Elizabeth II Hospital and adjacent to KPJ Medical Centre. The area has been dubbed the 'gold within the golden zone' for its prime location. The Hill @ Damai is set to become Sabah's first medical-lifestyle hub and will feature: A state-of-the-art cardiac centre, reducing Sabah's reliance on treatment facilities in Kuala Lumpur; medical suites, chiropractic and physiotherapy services, a luxury confinement centre, and wellness hubs; low-rise, low-density commercial units with over 1,500 parking bays, addressing longstanding shortages in the area. 'This project is more than just bricks and mortar — it's about enhancing quality of life and propelling Sabah into a new era of medical tourism,' said Phoong, who is also the assemblyman for Luyang. In conjunction with the development, Phoong also announced that Jalan Bersatu, which connects Jalan Damai and Jalan Iramanis in Kolombong, will be widened to accommodate future traffic flows, unlocking greater development in Luyang. BIDSB Executive Director Allison Tey Phing Phing clarified that The Hill will not include high-rise residential towers. 'We're not here to compete with the residential market. We aim to complement it by filling critical gaps in healthcare and commercial infrastructure,' she said. Each tier of the development will include dedicated parking and shop-front bays for easy accessibility. Construction will commence upon receiving final approvals and is projected to create over 1,000 jobs and contribute 500,000 square feet of commercial space to Greater Kota Kinabalu. Following the JDA signing, Dr Yusof also launched the Q-SME Halal Industrial Park, Sabah's first mid-scale, halal-certified industrial hub located within the HALMAS-certified zone in Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park. The RM62 million facility is currently 77% complete as of May 2025 and is slated for full operations by year-end. The park will offer 17 ready-built warehouse units and a centralized One-Stop Halal Centre to simplify certification and boost halal export capacity. 'This park will be a springboard for high-quality, halal-certified products from Sabah,' said Dr Yusof, noting that the project is supported by JAKIM, MUIS and the Halal Development Corporation. Phoong praised QSB's evolving role, saying, 'True progress means empowering lives, not just erecting buildings.' He described both initiatives as reflections of the State Government's people-centric development agenda. Also present were QSB Deputy Group CEO Rudy Jaglul, BIDSB Managing Director Chu CK, Director Kenyo Chu, Executive Director Allison Tey, and Datuk Ben Chong Chen Bin, Chairman of Kojasa Holdings Berhad, the QSB subsidiary managing the Q-SME Halal Park. These projects are part of a broader strategy to foster inclusive growth, create employment, and position Sabah as a regional leader in healthcare and halal industries.

Sabah launches first halal hub for SMEs
Sabah launches first halal hub for SMEs

The Star

time16-06-2025

  • Business
  • The Star

Sabah launches first halal hub for SMEs

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah took a major step forward in its bid to become a regional halal industry player with the launch of the state's first purpose-built halal-certified SME hub, the Q-SME Halal Industrial Park. Spearheaded by the state government's strategic investment arm, Qhazanah Sabah Bhd (QSB), the RM62mil development is located in the HALMAS-certified Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP). The hub is designed to empower local entrepreneurs in halal-focused sectors by offering dedicated infrastructure, streamlined certification processes, and direct access to export opportunities. 'Unlike large-scale industrial parks that focus on mass manufacturing, this park is specially designed to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups in producing halal products at a medium scale, without compromising on quality,' said QSB chairman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob at the joint development agreement (JDA) signing between QSB and Bina Indah Development Sdn Bhd, held alongside the launch of the Q-SME Halal Park here on Monday (June 16). The industrial park, which comprises 17 ready-built warehouse units, caters to SMEs involved in halal food processing, packaging, cosmetics, and other certified products. As of end-May 2025, construction was 77% complete, with full operations expected by year-end. 'This project is important to us because there has been strong demand. We have shortlisted interested entrepreneurs even before we publicly advertised this opportunity … these are people who proactively approached us. 'At this point, it seems there is hardly any space left. Some units are already booked and confirmed, including for halal food processing and halal-based cosmetics. All these businesses will form part of a certified halal industrial ecosystem,' he told reporters. A key feature of the park is the centralised One-Stop Halal Centre, which will offer services including halal certification, marketing support, and export facilitation. It will operate with backing from the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim), the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS), and the Halal Development Corporation. 'With this model, we are not only empowering local industry players, but also paving the way for Sabah to become a regional halal product export hub. 'If this park succeeds as envisioned, it could become a model to be replicated in other districts across the state,' said Yusof. He added that the park's strategic location near Sabah Ports positions it well for international trade, giving halal SMEs a launchpad into growing markets in the region and beyond. The project is also expected to generate significant employment, with each of the 17 units estimated to support up to 30 jobs, potentially creating more than 500 positions across various sectors. 'QSB is financing the project through a development loan, with rental income from tenants set to repay the investment and fund future industrial initiatives. This is a sustainable model, one that empowers businesses, creates jobs, and reinvests in long-term growth. 'Through this facility, we anticipate the emergence of more than 10 local products with the potential to grow into recognised brands, not only within Sabah, but also across Malaysia and beyond,' he said. Yusof also noted the potential to expand halal-certified infrastructure across the state, given the strong response, adding: 'We see this as the beginning of something larger, an ecosystem that supports halal innovation and enterprise throughout Sabah. 'Through the Q-SME Halal Park, we are not just building warehouses. We are building futures. We want Sabah's entrepreneurs to thrive, and we are laying the groundwork for them to compete at a global level.' Apart from the halal hub launch, the event also saw the signing of a joint development agreement for The Hill @ Damai, a mixed-use urban revitalisation project that will include Sabah's second cardiac specialist centre, witnessed by state Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe. A key component of this development is the proposed Sabah National Heart Centre, which will be the second of its kind in Malaysia, after the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur. This state-of-the-art facility is expected to deliver specialised cardiac services to Sabahans, significantly reducing reliance on medical treatment outside the state and strengthening Sabah's healthcare ecosystem. The project also includes enhanced infrastructure such as improved road networks and multi-level parking facilities aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving accessibility. 'This centre is not only vital to Sabah's healthcare landscape, but it also underscores our long-term commitment to delivering world-class medical infrastructure to the people,' he said. He stressed that these two projects are a testament to QSB and the Sabah government's commitment to strengthening the state's economic infrastructure, from urban transformation to SME empowerment.

Sabah mulls having second National Heart Centre in KK
Sabah mulls having second National Heart Centre in KK

New Straits Times

time16-06-2025

  • Health
  • New Straits Times

Sabah mulls having second National Heart Centre in KK

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is thinking of building a second National Heart Centre in the state capital to reduce reliance on treatment in the peninsula. The proposed centre will be a key component of The Hill @ Damai, a mixed-use development adjacent to Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, which is a government entity. The project is part of a joint development agreement (JDA) signed today between Qhazanah Sabah Bhd (QSB) and Bina Indah Development Sdn Bhd (BIDSB). It was launched by Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, along with QSB chairman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob "This centre is not only vital to the Sabah healthcare landscape, but it also underscores our long-term commitment to delivering world-class medical infrastructure to the people," Dr Yusof said during the launch held at the Qhazanah Event Hall, Menara Kinabalu. He added that the high-tech facility is expected to provide more accessible specialist cardiac care for Sabahans, while reducing the state's reliance on treatment in Peninsular Malaysia. The new centre, when completed, is expected to deliver a significant boost to the local healthcare system, offering advanced treatment options and reducing waiting times for heart patients. Meanwhile, QSB also officially launched the Q-SME Halal Industrial Park, Sabah's first purpose-built halal-certified hub designed specifically for SMEs and startups. Located within the HALMAS-certified zone in Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park, it is already 77 per cent complete as of May 2025, with full completion targeted by end of this year.

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