SABAH will shift its focus into building local industries in 2019, banking on its state’s natural resources to woo foreign investors into the state.

Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal said several key areas have been identified to propel the state into its industrial goals.

“Sandakan will be our furniture hub, I am also looking into revamping Sabah Forest Industries (SFI) and the rural cooperative development (KPD) this year.

“For the first seven months of the Warisan-led government, I believe I have made 80% reforms in the public service, I guess the time has come for me to engage with investors to set up shop in Sabah,” he said during the Warisan Christmas Open House in Kota Kinabalu today.

Also present were Warisan vice-president Junz Wong, Peter Anthony, secretary-general Loretto Padua Jr, treasurer Terrence Siambun and other top Warisan leaders.

Shafie said he plans to travel abroad to woo investors to invest in the state and create more job opportunities for locals.

“I know I won’t be successful overnight, but for now it’s not about getting rich quick, but at least, the state will be able to cushion any kind of impact such as an economic recession.

“And, at the same time build a strong foundation for the industries to grow exponentially in the future,” he said.

Shafie also said the state government is also revising several more outdated laws, some of which had existed since the British era, this year.

For example, he said the Warisan-led government has amended the definition of land under the Sabah Land Ordinance in order for the government to better collect taxes from cash crops and oil and gas last year.

The introduction of the Seafood tax this year is also aimed to ensure ample supply of fish in the state.

On state finances, he said Sabah’s finances are stable now the state has enough funds to pay salaries and execute some projects but will continue to save money wherever it can. – January 6, 2019.