Shafie…land are being exploited by companies from outside the state while ordinary Sabahans continue to struggle.
KOTA KINABALU : – Parti Warisan (Warisan) president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has called for a bold economic shift to create jobs in Sabah by harnessing the state’s own resources instead of relying on imports from Kuala Lumpur.
He cited Sabah Forest Industries (SFI) as an example of how local industries could be revitalised to produce essential goods like paper and tissue, rather than importing them.
“If we can manufacture these products ourselves in Sabah, we reduce costs, create jobs and lift people out of poverty,” he said at a press conference here today.
Shafie stressed that job creation must go hand-in-hand with solving Sabah’s basic infrastructure problems.
He noted that even in Penampang, residents face water cuts and blackouts, while rural areas suffer even more.
“If there is no water and electricity, how can investors be expected to come? How can industries grow?” he asked.
He also highlighted the burden of poor road conditions which force many to buy costly four-wheel-drive vehicles.
“Don’t let people be forced to spend hundreds of thousands just to drive on broken roads. Those funds should go to road repairs and not luxury number plates costing millions,” he said.
Shafie also warned that Sabah’s oil, gas, fisheries and land are being exploited by companies from outside the state while ordinary Sabahans continue to struggle.
“Sabah’s vast wealth in oil, gas, fisheries and land must directly benefit its people. Our resources should not just enrich outsiders. These resources must translate into jobs and opportunities for Sabahans,” he said.
The Warisan president added that his party offers a clear vision to do better than the current government.
“We can build industries, fix basic needs, and ensure Sabahans enjoy the wealth of their own state. Give us the chance. We can do better,” he said.