| Permanent security bases
By Chris Maskilone & Kassim Sangi
KOTA KINABALU: Chief
Minister Datuk Seri Osu Sukam said the government has plans to operate security bases on
remote islands on a permanent basis.
"As far as
security is concerned, we are on top of it. We have beefed up our forces in the east
coast and along our porous borders," he said, adding military cooperation with
neighbouring countries has been heightened.
For this reason and
based on his recent personal visit to the east coast, Osu said he was convinced that our
security measures are fully geared to ward off negative elements and adverse intrusions.
He said when
officiating the Malaysia International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Sabah
branch annual luncheon here Tuesday.
He said Sabah would
continue to place greater emphasis in not only attracting foreign businessmen but also
quality domestic and foreign tourists.
"This year alone
has been a hectic year for the Sabah tourism industry... Sabah has indeed been elevated
into the limelight for both the good and bad reasons," he said.
Osu said among the
challenges for the State Government was to maintain the State's economic wellbeing.
Based on external
trade figures, Sabah has recorded a surplus of RM1.21 billion for the first eight months
this year compared to RM2.34b during the same period last year.
"Our export
revenue amounted to RM8.53b whilst imports have increased quite significantly to RM7.32b
from RM5.93b during the same period," he said.
Osu said Sabah's main
revenue earner was still crude petroleum, contributing RM2.19b followed by palm oil and
plywood with RM1.99b and RM758.6m respectively.
"Our
imports are mainly on machinery and transport equipment followed by mineral fuels,
lubricants and related materials totalling more than RM3.38b in the same period," he
said, adding manufactured goods accounted for RM1.01b of the State's import expenditures.
It has always
been of strategic importance for the State Government to pursue its economic
diversification option in order to enhance and further supplement its revenue base, he
said.
"With
all the policies and generous incentives given, I hope MICCI as well as the business
community as a whole would reciprocate by investing and actively involving in downstream
processing projects."
As for
infrastructure, Osu said there was no shortage in Sabah with the availability of the Kota
Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) as well as in other part of the States.
He also said
that the Government would try its utmost to address all the issues raised by MICCI but
stressed not all answers would be given at once.
Later, when
met by reporters, Osu said the government is positive with the issues raised by MICCI and
being a major contributor to Sabah's economy as well as established organisation, their
views would be given with appropriate attention.
He also said
incentive given to attract Foreign Direct Investors (FDI) by Sabah was very competitive
compared to other States in the country.
To facilitate
the effort, the State Government has implemented a programme to re-invent the government,
he said, adding the good relationship with the Federal Government has been beneficial to
both sides.
On other
aspect of the security, Osu said it was suffice to say that despite all the incidents,
chartered flights from Europe and Japan have been confirmed.
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