Kota Kinabalu – – The Sabah Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET), through its agencies, will continue to roll out a wide range of projects and initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s economy.

Its Minister and Deputy Chief Minister III, Ewon Benedick, said the efforts span industrial development, entrepreneurship, and transportation, forming part of a broader strategy to drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

“The implementation of these projects and initiatives reflects the government’s continued commitment to strengthening the state’s economic ecosystem, including creating business and job opportunities while enhancing Sabah’s competitiveness,” he said during his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly.

In a related development, Sabah Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) is expected to complete four business premises projects this year, located in Pulau Bum-Bum, Matunggong, Weston, and Padas Damit in Beaufort.

Two additional projects in Tungku, Lahad Datu and Pitas are scheduled for full completion in 2027, while two new developments will commence in Sook and Kota Kinabatangan.

Ewon added that SEDCO is also planning to establish a new Business Incubator Centre in Bandar Baru Penampang to support local entrepreneurs with more comprehensive business facilities.

Meanwhile, entrepreneurship development programmes are being actively implemented, including training, halal certification initiatives, and the Tunas Niaga Programme, which involves approximately 1,000 students across 40 secondary schools statewide.

Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) Sdn Bhd will continue enhancing industrial competitiveness by attracting high-impact investments and developing Ready-Built Factories (RBF6) to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The company is also undertaking residential development projects, including apartments and terrace houses, to improve community well-being.

At POIC Lahad Datu, efforts are focused on developing a Free Zone and strengthening the palm oil biomass industry through an integrated biomass collection platform.

The Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP) continues to record positive progress, supported by commitments from key investors and ongoing upgrades to utility infrastructure to meet large-scale industrial demands.

In the port sector, Ewon said the ministry is enhancing port development through digitalisation, infrastructure capacity upgrades, and improved operational coordination to boost supply chain efficiency.

Eight interim measures have also been introduced to ease congestion at Sepanggar Port, including additional container space, the implementation of a vehicle booking system, and reduced container storage periods.

“These efforts are crucial to ensuring Sabah’s ports remain efficient, competitive, and capable of supporting the state’s economic growth,” he said.

Additionally, the Sabah Ports and Harbours Department will implement several development projects, including upgrading facilities at the Menumbok Jetty Terminal and constructing a pontoon jetty in Karakit.

Ewon also revealed that the Sabah State Railway Department will acquire a new locomotive this year and conduct a feasibility study on a proposed railway line connecting Putatan to KKIP and Sepanggar Port.

“This initiative is expected to improve transport efficiency and support the overall development of Sabah’s logistics sector,” he added.