KOTA KINABALU : – Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Sabah Phoong Jin Zhe welcomes Japan’s decision to lower the danger level to level 2 of its travel advisory for East Coast of Sabah.
This move signals growing confidence in Sabah’s safety and security measures and will positively impact trade and investment opportunities.
The information was confirmed on Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website published on 23 December 2024, main reason being the criminal rate reduced significantly in Sabah.
Phoong shared that he had the privilege of discussing this matter extensively with His Excellency Takahashi Katsuhiko, the former Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, during several meetings.
He also brought this up when the Ambassador visited Kota Kinabalu last February.
Phoong also raised this issue during his official visit to Tokyo in November 2023, where he engaged with Japanese businesses eager to explore investment opportunities in Sabah, particularly in the palm oil and biomass sectors.
“Many Japanese companies like Kantech had expressed strong interest in Sabah’s immense economic potential but were hindered by the travel advisory restrictions.”
“This reduction in the danger level will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst to unlock these opportunities, encouraging more Japanese companies to establish partnerships and invest in Sabah’s industries,” said Phoong
Phoong stated that Sabah’s strategic location, coupled with its commitment to sustainable industrialization, offers vast potential for collaboration in renewable energy, green technology, and other industries.
“With this positive development, I am confident that we can further strengthen bilateral relations between Malaysia and Japan, fostering greater economic growth and people-to-people connections,” Phoong added
Phoong reiterated the Sabah Government will continue working closely with Japan and other international partners to ensure a conducive, investor-friendly environment in the state.
He looks forward to welcoming Japanese business, investors to realising Sabah’s shared vision of sustainable economic progress.
