HOPING FOR FAVOURABLE DECISION ON CABOTAGE POLICY

KOTA KINABALU, 22nd May, 2009: Industrial Development Minister, Datuk Raymond Tan hopes the Federal Cabinet will come up with a favourable decision for Sabah and Sarawak on the Cabotage policy.

He added that both states are affected by the same predicament as far as the policy was concerned.

“The Federal Government will look at how to assist us,” he said to reporters at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) during an official visit by the International Trade & Industry (MITI) deputy minister, Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan yesterday.

Earlier, the Federation of Sabah Manufacturers, Datuk Wong Khen Thau said that the Cabotage Policy issue would be raised at the Federal Cabinet meeting next week.

Wong added that FSM wanted the policy to be abolished with regards to the routes involving Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.

He said that the policy had resulted in delays in goods transportation from and to Sabah and Sarawak.

“It has created an uncompetitive environment for manufacturers here,” he said.

He believed that with the policy abolished, businesses in both Sabah and Sarawak would be able to thrive and become competitive. “Open it up and the businesses will come by itself,” he said.

Wong also added that FSM has fought for the matter for nine long years.

“We have been very patient these past nine years,” he said.

Also present at the event were Industrial Development Assistant Minister, Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid and KKIP Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Chong Hon Len.