Photo caption: MCCC Sabah Deputy Director of Public Relations Datuk Yong Wei Hau said the chamber would continue to represent the business community’s interests and strengthen cooperation between the government and private sector
KOTA KINABALU: A more conducive business environment, better infrastructure and efficient logistics are key to attracting investment and helping local businesses grow in Sabah.
As the state pursues economic growth, policies must also address the realities faced by businesses and create the right conditions for investment, job creation and industrial development.
Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah Deputy Director Public Relations Datuk Yong Wei Hau said the chamber, under the leadership of its president, Datuk Dexter Lau Wei Dick, would continue to connect the business community with relevant stakeholders, bringing forward members’ concerns and offering constructive feedback to strengthen engagement between the government and the private sector.
He was commenting on a call by Sabah Chief Minister’s Political Secretary Datuk Azrul Ibrahim for all sectors to work together to sustain the state’s development momentum and ensure that government initiatives deliver tangible benefits to the people.
Yong said closer engagement between the government and businesses was essential to ensuring that development policies reflected market realities and could be implemented effectively.
Beyond headline economic growth, he said, progress should also be measured by whether more jobs were created, household incomes improved and communities across Sabah benefited from development.
“Ultimately, economic progress must translate into better livelihoods for the people and greater opportunities for businesses to grow.”
He noted that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remained a vital part of Sabah’s economy, supporting employment and sustaining commercial activities at the local level.
While efforts to attract major investors should continue, he said, greater attention must also be given to the pressures facing SMEs, including rising operating costs, logistics constraints, access to financing and labour shortages.
He added that reliable infrastructure, a stable business climate and an efficient logistics network would help businesses operate more effectively, give local companies greater confidence to expand and make Sabah a more attractive destination for investors.
Developing a skilled workforce was equally important, he said. Closer collaboration between educational institutions and businesses, particularly through vocational education, technical training and internship opportunities, would help young people acquire relevant skills and improve their prospects in the job market.
Yong also called for greater support for local businesses to strengthen their competitiveness, explore new markets and establish strategic partnerships.
Development planning, he added, should take into account the needs of both urban and rural communities, ensuring that economic opportunities extend beyond major commercial centres.
He said MCCC Sabah would continue to represent the interests of its members by raising business concerns through appropriate channels and facilitating dialogue among the government, private sector and other stakeholders.
Yong stressed that Sabah’s long-term prosperity would depend on sustained investment and consistent efforts to build a competitive, inclusive and sustainable economy.
Economic growth, he said, should ultimately bring meaningful improvements to people’s lives and create opportunities that businesses and communities could genuinely benefit from.
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