KUALA LUMPUR, 9 April 2023: Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship ministry's (MIDE) Minister, Phoong Jin Zhe believes that there is huge potential to invest in sustainable energy in Sabah after meeting up with several nation’s ambassadors.
Phoong met with the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia HE Takahashi Katsuhiko, Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia HE Joachim Bergström and also the High Commissioner of Australia in Malaysia, HE Dr Justin Lee. Also attending the meeting was Federal Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup.
"The meeting was fruitful as the ambassadors share to us that Sabah has huge potential in developing sustainable power plants as it would hit two birds with a stone, supplying energy while being in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations."
"I also took the opportunity to invite the Ambassadors and High Commissioner to pay Sabah a visit to discuss further on the matter and also introduce potential investors that could assist the state in developing its green energy power plants, we must seize the opportunity to gain first-mover advantage," said Phoong, who also co-chaired a roundtable meeting together with Federal Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister, Liew Chin Tong in Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)'s headquarters.
"This is the second major inter-agency roundtable meeting I have chaired ever since I have sworn in as the minister."
"I would also like to extend my gratitude towards the Deputy Minister of MITI for organising the roundtable meeting to discuss how Sabah could leapfrog in industrial development," said Phoong.
The roundtable meeting was focused on seeking alternative energy sources for the rising demand for Sabah's industrial usage. The meeting was also attended by Energy Commission of Sabah's CEO, Datuk Ir. Abdul Nasser bin Abdul Wahid.
Phoong acknowledges the surging demand on power supply and urges agencies to assist Sabah in planning ahead for its future industrial development plans.
The Minister also paid a visit to the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP)'s 10th anniversary event to look into the module of the industrial park and its potential in Sabah.
He also sincerely thanked the Consulate General of China in Kota Kinabalu, HE Huang Shifang for such wonderful hospitality and arrangement.
Phoong shared that it was important to strengthen the bilateral relations with all these developed countries as it would open up many opportunities to Sabah and Sabahans.
Also attending the working trip was the MIDE's Permanent Secretary Datuk Thomas Logijin, Political Secretary Chan Loong Wei and representatives from the three industrial parks in Sabah.
