Latest news with #Phoong
Daily Express
15 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah tops Malaysia in Q1 manufacturing investment with RM7.3 billion
Published on: Friday, June 20, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 20, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Phoong receives a memento from SME Sabah president Deledda Than KOTA KINABALU: Sabah recorded RM7.3 billion in manufacturing investments in the first quarter of this year, making it Malaysia's top destination for the sector. Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said local SMEs must not rely solely on foreign capital and should industrialise to remain competitive. Advertisement Phoong announced RM15 million in state funding to help SMEs automate, upgrade machinery, and expand while noting Sabah's exports rose 11 per cent up to May. He also highlighted Sabah's ongoing industrial push, including a 100MW Battery Energy Storage System in Lahad Datu and AirAsia's new KK–Taipei–Fukuoka route. Phoong cautioned against implementing overlapping federal policies and stressed that economic reforms must not burden SMEs as Sabah's unemployment rate improved to 6.7 per cent. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
‘Sabah needs policy-oriented leadership, not power plays'
Published on: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 17, 2025 By: Syakilla Maarof Text Size: 'We must shift our focus from politicking to policy-making. Every day spent speculating over political alignments is a day wasted when it could have been used to craft real solutions for the rakyat,' said Phoong. Kota Kinabalu: The people of Sabah need leadership driven by policies and solutions, not endless political manoeuvring, said Sabah DAP Chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe). He said it is time for politicians to move away from obsessing over seat allocations and, instead, concentrate on offering clear policy alternatives to address Sabah's longstanding challenges. Advertisement 'We must shift our focus from politicking to policy-making. Every day spent speculating over political alignments is a day wasted when it could have been used to craft real solutions for the rakyat,' said Phoong. Speaking amid speculation over Sabah's coming state election and Pakatan Harapan's (PH) position within potential alliances, Phoong stressed that DAP remains committed to results-oriented governance. 'As a party, we believe trust must be earned through policies that work, not promises or power struggles. Sabahans want better infrastructure, quality jobs and long-term development strategies, and we are here to deliver that,' he said. Speaking at a joint development agreement between Qhazanah Sabah Bhd and Bina Indah Development Sdn Bhd and Q-SME Halal Industrial Park launch, here, Monday, Phoong added that while PH continues to hold discussions internally and with other parties, the ultimate goal should be to present Sabahans with a viable, people-first leadership option. 'Any decision on cooperation or seat distribution must be based on what's best for the people, not individual ambitions,' he said. He also praised the unity and ongoing cooperation among the four PH component parties in Sabah, calling it a 'healthy platform for honest dialogue.' Phoong, who is also State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister, noted that DAP has shown its ability to deliver, citing his efforts in boosting industrial growth and promoting renewable energy investment. 'These are the report cards that matter. The people will judge us by our work, not by who we align with. We must continue proving that we are capable of fulfilling their aspirations,' he said. Phoong reiterated DAP's stance as a 'policy-driven party that works with the people and for the people.' 'Sabahans are ready for leadership that prioritises substance over show. DAP is ready to be part of that solution.' * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Phoong: DAP committed to policy-driven politics
Phoong KOTA KINABALU (June 16): Sabah Democratic Action Party (DAP) chief Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe has reiterated the importance of policy-driven politics as Pakatan Harapan (PH) continues internal deliberations on its direction ahead of the upcoming state election. This comes in response to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor's recent remarks that Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) should once again lead the next state administration. Responding to media queries after witnessing the signing of a joint development agreement (JDA) between Qhazanah Sabah Berhad (QSB) and Bina Indah Development Sdn Bhd (BIDSB) for The Hill @ Damai project, Phoong emphasized that PH has yet to reach a conclusive decision on its political alignment. 'As far as PH and DAP are concerned, many matters remain undecided. I echo what Datuk Mustapha Sakmud recently said — PH will engage in discussions with GRS,' said Phoong, who is also the Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship. He acknowledged that GRS currently leads the Sabah government, a position accepted by PH two years ago, but added that PH must remain flexible and responsive to the state's dynamic political realities. 'We cannot pretend that today's political scenario is final. Things change daily, and we must assess and adapt accordingly. That is why our discussions are ongoing,' he said. Phoong confirmed that PH Sabah's top leaders, including chairman Datuk Ewon Benedick, are holding regular meetings to strategise and review seat allocations. 'Our discussions have been smooth and productive. That shows PH continues to be a viable and serious choice for Sabahans,' he said. Underscoring DAP's policy-first approach, Phoong stated that the party is not obsessed with seat negotiations but focused on governance and delivering real results. 'We don't want to be seen as a party that talks about seats every day. Those are responsibilities entrusted by the people. To earn their trust, we must deliver impactful policies,' he said. As the sole DAP minister in the current state cabinet, Phoong pointed to DAP's contributions, particularly under his ministry. 'According to MIDA, Sabah recorded its best investment performance in Q1 this year. That's a tangible outcome of our work. We've also begun pushing initiatives in renewable energy and industrial technology adoption,' he said. As the assemblyman for Luyang, Phoong said the public is more concerned about jobs, infrastructure and sustainable growth than political alliances. 'Young Sabahans are looking for jobs. People want solutions to infrastructure problems and policies that grow the economy. In DAP, that's where we focus our energy,' he stressed. Phoong also addressed PH's perceived position between GRS and Barisan Nasional (BN), saying it should be viewed as a strategic openness rather than indecision. 'The political landscape evolves every day. Being in between doesn't mean we are trapped — it means we have choices. What matters most is proving to the people that we can deliver,' he said. Reaffirming DAP's commitment to public service, Phoong concluded, 'We want to work with the people. That's our promise. DAP is not about politicking — we're here to deliver a better future for Sabah.'
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah's first medical-lifestyle hub
Dr Yusof (left) and Chu (right) exchange the signed joint venture agreement, witnessed by Phoong and invited guests. KOTA KINABALU (June 16): Qhazanah Sabah Berhad (QSB) has reached a major milestone in Sabah's development trajectory with the signing of a joint development agreement (JDA) for The Hill @ Damai, a transformative mixed-use medical and commercial hub in Luyang. The ceremony, held at Menara Kinabalu, was witnessed by Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe and QSB chairman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob. It marks the State Government's commitment to inclusive economic growth by merging urban renewal with small and medium enterprise (SME) empowerment. Under the JDA, QSB will collaborate with Bina Indah Development Sdn Bhd (BIDSB) to bring to life the RM500 million project, which sits on a 13-acre elevated parcel of land behind Queen Elizabeth II Hospital and adjacent to KPJ Medical Centre. The area has been dubbed the 'gold within the golden zone' for its prime location. The Hill @ Damai is set to become Sabah's first medical-lifestyle hub and will feature: A state-of-the-art cardiac centre, reducing Sabah's reliance on treatment facilities in Kuala Lumpur; medical suites, chiropractic and physiotherapy services, a luxury confinement centre, and wellness hubs; low-rise, low-density commercial units with over 1,500 parking bays, addressing longstanding shortages in the area. 'This project is more than just bricks and mortar — it's about enhancing quality of life and propelling Sabah into a new era of medical tourism,' said Phoong, who is also the assemblyman for Luyang. In conjunction with the development, Phoong also announced that Jalan Bersatu, which connects Jalan Damai and Jalan Iramanis in Kolombong, will be widened to accommodate future traffic flows, unlocking greater development in Luyang. BIDSB Executive Director Allison Tey Phing Phing clarified that The Hill will not include high-rise residential towers. 'We're not here to compete with the residential market. We aim to complement it by filling critical gaps in healthcare and commercial infrastructure,' she said. Each tier of the development will include dedicated parking and shop-front bays for easy accessibility. Construction will commence upon receiving final approvals and is projected to create over 1,000 jobs and contribute 500,000 square feet of commercial space to Greater Kota Kinabalu. Following the JDA signing, Dr Yusof also launched the Q-SME Halal Industrial Park, Sabah's first mid-scale, halal-certified industrial hub located within the HALMAS-certified zone in Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park. The RM62 million facility is currently 77% complete as of May 2025 and is slated for full operations by year-end. The park will offer 17 ready-built warehouse units and a centralized One-Stop Halal Centre to simplify certification and boost halal export capacity. 'This park will be a springboard for high-quality, halal-certified products from Sabah,' said Dr Yusof, noting that the project is supported by JAKIM, MUIS and the Halal Development Corporation. Phoong praised QSB's evolving role, saying, 'True progress means empowering lives, not just erecting buildings.' He described both initiatives as reflections of the State Government's people-centric development agenda. Also present were QSB Deputy Group CEO Rudy Jaglul, BIDSB Managing Director Chu CK, Director Kenyo Chu, Executive Director Allison Tey, and Datuk Ben Chong Chen Bin, Chairman of Kojasa Holdings Berhad, the QSB subsidiary managing the Q-SME Halal Park. These projects are part of a broader strategy to foster inclusive growth, create employment, and position Sabah as a regional leader in healthcare and halal industries.
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah Pakatan Harapan yet to finalise election strategy
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Pakatan Harapan has not yet finalised its position or strategy for the upcoming Sabah state election, as internal discussions among the coalition's component parties are still ongoing. Sabah DAP chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said that while frequent meetings are held between Pakatan leaders, many key decisions, including potential alliances and seat allocations, remain open for discussion. 'As of now, we have not reached any final decisions. We are still assessing the political landscape and developments on the ground,' he told reporters at a joint development agreement between Qhazanah Sabah Bhd and Bina Indah Development Sdn Bhd, and the launch of Q-SME Halal Industrial Park on Monday (June 16). Echoing Sabah Pakatan chief Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, Phoong said Sabah Pakatan will engage in talks with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), taking a cautious approach before firming up its strategy. Mustapha, who is also the Deputy Higher Education Minister and Sepanggar MP, had said earlier that Sabah Pakatan needs 'more time to reassess the situation' before deciding on electoral cooperation, particularly with GRS. He noted that statements made by Pakatan secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution and GRS secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun suggest preliminary discussions may take place, but stressed that Sabah Pakatan's leadership would continue to evaluate matters 'day by day.' 'Two years ago, we decided that GRS is the leader of the state government. That is what we accepted two years ago. So, I think, as far as (Sabah) Pakatan is concerned, we need to look into what situation unfolds every day,' Phoong said. He noted that the Sabah political landscape is unique and constantly evolving. 'We want to ensure that any decisions we make are in the best interest of the people and reflect the values and aspirations of Pakatan,' Phoong said. He said the coalition's four main component parties in Sabah, namely DAP, PKR, Amanah, and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko), are working closely together, holding regular dialogues and maintaining good communication. 'The unity and cohesion within Sabah Pakatan are strong. We may have different views, but we are able to sit down together and discuss them constructively. That is a positive sign,' Phoong said. He also reiterated DAP's stand to focus more on policies rather than political manoeuvring, stating that the party's long-term vision for Sabah includes economic transformation, infrastructure development, and youth employment. 'At the end of the day, the people will judge us based on what we deliver, not just who we align with.' Sabah is expected to hold its state election by the end of this year, with the term of the current GRS-led government nearing its expiry.
