SABAH political parties have welcomed the state government’s plans to restart barter trade operations from January 1 next year, but cautioned about security issues in the state’s east coast districts.

Sabah Progressive Party president Yong Teck Lee said the Warisan-led government needs to resolve the issue of pump boats and should consider the security situation before restarting the trade again.

He said no doubt barter trade could revive the state economy and generate many spin-offs for Sabahans.

“Please bear in mind the suspension of the barter trade two years ago was made because of cross-border kidnappings.

“The planned reopening of barter trade with the Philippines and Indonesia needs to take into consideration comprehensive security plans and precautionary measures,” he said today.

Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal yesterday announced his plan to restart the barter trade on January 1, 2019 after it was suspended indefinitely in April 2016.

The suspension of the trade was done by the previous Barisan Nasional government following security concerns in Sabah’s east coast districts, due to the prevalence of kidnappings.

Barter trade operations has also been associated with the smuggling of subsidised goods like cylinder gas, cooking oil, sugar and rice, as Malaysia is selling these items cheaper than neighbouring Indonesia and the Philippines.

Shafie said the move will include coming up with a full-proof standard operating procedure and facilities to ensure the operations run smoothly at the Kudat, Sandakan, Tawau and Lahad Datu ports.

Sabah Umno youth chief Abdul Aziz Julkarnain said the move must be carefully considered as the wrong move could negatively affect the state’s tourism industry.

He said the move to restart barter trade while kidnapping is still prevalent could encourage further incidents.

“What is more worrying if the kidnappings become more rampant and affect the tourism sector.

“The state relies heavily on the services sector as a source of income, and tourism accounts for about 40% of Sabah’s revenue.

“We want to remind the Warisan-led state government not to make any hasty decisions in restarting barter trade,” he said. – October 10, 2018.