Tawau free trade zone receives positive feedback

New Sabah Times
4th March, 2007

KOTA KINABALU: The business community and politicians alike are beaming following the disclosure that Tawau will be turned into a free trade zone in view of its strategic position for international trade.

Assistant Rural Development Minister Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titngan said that Tawau was a suitable and strategic site.

“As a big district, it is a gateway to two sides of two major countries,” he said of Tawau’s proximity to Kalimantan in Indonesia and South Philippines.

Tawfiq who is Apas assemblyman said that the effort by the Federal Government must be supported by all.

“I believe everyone is all behind the set up of the free trade zone,” he said.

On Friday, Finance Ministry Parliamentary secretary Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahya said that Tawau’s location near Indonesia’s border in Kalimantan and its proximity to southern Philippines made it an ideal gateway for international trade.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the Sabah Fisheries Marketing Berhad (SAFMA) jetty here, Dr Hilmi said that as Sabah did not have a free trade zone as yet, it was hoped that the Tawau free trade zone would further boost business activities in the state.

The free trade zone in Tawau would be set up as soon as possible, he said, adding that this was important before other countries set up their own nearby.

Tawfiq who is also Tawau Umno chief hoped that the groundwork would take place soon for the benefit of the rakyat especially Tawau folks.

“The local economy will be stimulated and economic spin-offs will be created,” he said.

Merotai assemblyman Datuk Liew Yun Fah also welcomed the move as it would augur well to the overall future development of Tawau.

“We are seeing a brighter future for the district due to the caring attitude of the Federal Government,” he said.

The Tawau Chinese Chamber of Commerce said that the district has been largely a palm oil producing district.

“If the free trade zone is implemented, many industries will come to Tawau and this will surely spur the growth of the district to a larger dimension.

“Every industry including the hospitability and food business will benefit from a free trade zone,” an official said.

Try me first, dares MP

DAILY EXPRESS NEWS

Kota Kinabalu: Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) Secretary-General Bernard S. Maraat has issued a challenge to opposition Pasok President Richard Jayasuriya to contest against him in the next elections, instead of talking big.

"Before Richard wants to challenge Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, why don't he challenge me first.

"He (Richard) better don't talk about challenging CM in the coming elections, but talk about challenging me in Pensiangan," said the Pensiangan MP at his Chinese New Year open house in Luyang, Saturday. Also present were the Chief Minister's wife, Datin Hj. Faridah Hj. Tussin, who was representing the Chief Minister, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) President, Datuk VK Liew and its Secretary General Teo Chee Kang, among others.

Maraat was commenting on Richard's announcement on Friday that he "will contest wherever Sabah Umno Chairman and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman will stand" in the coming elections.

"I can say that our Mr Richard Jayasuriya is daydreaming because he cannot even converse in proper Malay (Bahasa Melayu)Éhe only speaks in English. I was made to understand that he went to the interior area and talked to the villagers there in English. I can assure that these people will not understand his (Richard's) ideas and concepts of Pasok's strugglesÉNothing," he stressed.

"Richard better don't dream of challenging the CM when you can't even challenge me in Pensiangan."

At a Press conference on Friday, Pasok became the first party to name eight candidates in the yet-to-be-announced polls.

Richard's Deputy President, Datu Abdul Razak Datu Abdul Salam will stand in Kudat, its Youth Chief Muhd Al Aprinuddin in Silam, National Council Member Gabriel Uwing Agunsung in Pensiangan, Asang Rawai (Tandek) and eldest son of the late Datuk Mark Koding, Vitos in Ranau against his father's former colleague, Upko President Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, among others.

On another issue, Maraat said there was no rift between him and PBRS President Tan Sri Joseph Kurup as it was just a rumour.

He said there were unscrupulous people who created the rumour and wanted to take advantage for self-interest.