KOTA KINABALU : – Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe recently completed a fruitful tour of four significant factories in Tenom and Keningau.
It’s underscores the government’s steadfast commitment to empowering local businesses through the SME-Up Initiative.
The tour included visits to Agrowin Asam Boi Tenom, Duo Fu Enterprise, Woodlands Timber Sdn Bhd, and Ken Sheng Food Factory Sdn Bhd.
During the tour, Phoong highlighted the pivotal role these businesses play in the local economy and reiterated the ministry’s readiness to assist them in scaling operations, boosting productivity, and exploring new markets through targeted support such as the SME-Up Programme under DIDR.
Meeting with Tham Yau Siong, the owner of Agrowin Asam Boi Tenom, Phoong praised the factory’s efforts in citrus juice processing and its research on lime essential oils, noting the promising potential for growth.
“We are highly impressed by Agrowin’s forward-thinking approach, and we will provide the necessary support to help them increase production and tap into export opportunities.”
Tham, who also serves as the Chairman of the Tenom Coffee Planters Association, shared insights on both the challenges and opportunities in coffee cultivation and downstream industrialization. Phoong reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to collaborating with local farmers and producers to strengthen Tenom’s position as a key player in Sabah’s agro-industry.
At Duo Fu Enterprise, a traditional tofu manufacturing facility, Phoong commended the factory’s long-standing community ties and high-quality production. “While Duo Fu Enterprise retains its traditional methods, Chong Neng Sin and his team are eager to modernize their operations.
Through the SME-Up Programme, we will assist them in automating production processes to meet growing demand and broaden their market reach.”
During his visit to Woodlands Timber Sdn Bhd, a local timber and furniture manufacturer with decades of experience, Phoong acknowledged the company’s craftsmanship and resilience amid external challenges.
“Sabah’s timber industry has long been a source of pride, and Woodlands Timber is a testament to the high-quality products our state is known for,” Phoong remarked.
“The Ministry is committed to helping them navigate current challenges, drive innovation, and restore Sabah’s leadership in the timber industry.”
The tour concluded with a visit to Ken Sheng Food Factory Sdn Bhd, a semi- automated noodle production facility in Keningau.
Owner Shau Kok Kim provided an overview of the factory’s operations and expressed the need for additional machinery.
“ Ken Sheng has demonstrated impressive growth, and with the right support, they can achieve even more,” Phoong noted.
“ I have directed my team to assist them in applying for the SME-Up programme to secure the necessary equipment and enhance their production capacity and efficiency.”
In closing, Phoong reiterated the ministry’s ongoing dedication to supporting local factories through comprehensive programmes like SME-Up, designed to improve productivity, drive modernization, and enable market expansion.
“These factories represent the backbone of Sabah’s industrial ecosystem, and we will continue working tirelessly to provide them with the resources and support needed for continued success.”
