Manufacturing Sector Failure Partly Due to Cabotage

<div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“The Sabah government ought to take a serious look into the cause</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg587FdrBvaSGUzUHdPlmqLFD9KlqxnLnScBoOT_Qxx-Yo3dxYnZZ8blh_8Z03_lO9XhgLO64cOKopKt1eJcZhedMbXYgzgYpczxAN3CUa6CPvE8ymPyOWV7QtirOhSl_VtGxmS_W2wazU/s1600/DDJK+background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg587FdrBvaSGUzUHdPlmqLFD9KlqxnLnScBoOT_Qxx-Yo3dxYnZZ8blh_8Z03_lO9XhgLO64cOKopKt1eJcZhedMbXYgzgYpczxAN3CUa6CPvE8ymPyOWV7QtirOhSl_VtGxmS_W2wazU/s320/DDJK+background.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> of the “failure” of the State’s manufacturing sector and its low GDP contribution rather than putting the blame on others.  If they do investigate, it would not be surprising that one of the contributing factors would be the National Cabotage Policy (NCP)” said Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, STAR Sabah Chief and Bingkor Assemblyman in response to the media report by the Minister of Industrial Development who had weighed in on the cabotage issue.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Federation of Sabah Industries and its past president, Datuk Seri Wong Ken Thau, have done their homework and had voiced their opinions and suggestions on the abolishment of the NCP so that the manufacturing and industrial sectors in Sabah are not stifled from further growth.  They have also given other suggestions to boost the manufacturing and industrial sectors which include establishment of Kota Kinabalu as the regional shipping hub.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“If the Minister care to check, almost all the cooking oil on the shelves of supermarkets, mini-markets and provision shops in Sabah are manufactured in Malaya”.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“Why is this so when Sabah is the world’s 3rd biggest crude palm oil producer producing some 35% of Malaysia’s output with vast tracts of oil palm plantations spread throughout Sabah?” asked Dr. Jeffrey.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There was an instance of one of the world’s largest factories who wanted to consider setting up a factory in Sabah but eventually was put off by the additional shipping costs, both in bringing some raw material components as well as export of the final products via Port Klang.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">There is no dispute to investors and manufacturers alike that the cabotage policy for Sabah and Sarawak need to be abolished.   It may not solve all the problems but at least it is a start which will also reduce some of the unnecessary transhipment costs via Malaya which have contributed to higher costs of goods in Sabah.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It has to be reiterated that if the federal government wish that the cabotage policy be continued, then it should adopt the 1-Country 2-System form of administration and maintain the cabotage policy for the ports in Malaya and exclude the ports in Sabah and Sarawak. </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As rightly pointed out by FSI, the removal of the cabotage policy could also lead to Sabah and Kota Kinabalu or Sepanggar Port being developed into the regional hub of the Far East.  Sadly to say, neither the federal government nor the Sabah government has done anything concrete to turn Kota Kinabalu into the regional hub.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Perhaps, the Minister of Industrial Development could get cracking and initiate moves for the regional hub to be turned into a reality in 2016 and in turn see that the manufacturing and industrial sectors grow and be an engine of growth for Sabah and Sabahans.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Chairman</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">STAR Sabah</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">15 January 201</span></div>

Manufacturing Sector Failure Partly Due to Cabotage

“The Sabah government ought to take a serious look into the cause of the “failure” of the State’s manufacturing sector and its low GDP...

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No myth on Cabotage: FSI

<div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiII8tyU0_w1dMmAVpC45mB3JVuwI2I6SijUbRZmrey1yliCBQzFK3MrSt7aUGQrXB2sZLLxFY5kXOC4EZpimHxVKM129JGOUcGJ930fgtIvaSAKWHQorEjRkXkeV_DgTayfpgkA-PPWIQ/s1600/KABOTAJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiII8tyU0_w1dMmAVpC45mB3JVuwI2I6SijUbRZmrey1yliCBQzFK3MrSt7aUGQrXB2sZLLxFY5kXOC4EZpimHxVKM129JGOUcGJ930fgtIvaSAKWHQorEjRkXkeV_DgTayfpgkA-PPWIQ/s320/KABOTAJ.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The Federation of Sabah Industries (FSI) proposed full liberalisation of the route between Port Klang and KK Port as one of the measures to create a more conducive economic environment for small-medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) in Sabah.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">FSI President Datuk Mohd Basri Abd Gafar said the partial liberalisation currently implemented on the route is not sufficient and "the Minister has the power to liberalise the route."</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"We are asking for the Port Klang and KK Port route to be exempted from the Cabotage Policy," Mohd Basri said at a press conference here, Wednesday.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He said the policy has affected FSI members where more than 90 per cent of its members are SMEs.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"As such, we believe that the SMEs in Sabah are unable to reach full potential in spite of the abundance of natural resources and strategic geographical location, and are inevitably left out of the regional trade value chain.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Since Sabah is located the furthest from the centre of activity, it is the worst region in Malaysia affected by the Cabotage Policy…shipping line is our lifeline."</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He also said according to studies conducted by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), the shipping cost in Sabah is RM800 million annually "and if you compare that figure with Sabah's expenditure budget, it is more or less the same."</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Cabotage Policy does not bring benefit to the industry or the majority of the people in Sabah. Its protectionist nature has only benefited the ship owners.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"The policy is lopsided in favour of the peninsula and it is outdated and warrants a review. It also retards the industry's efficiency, competitiveness and development.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"In echoing other trade chambers and associations in Sabah, FSI believes that the policy has directly or indirectly driven up the cost of living in Sabah," Mohd Basri said. As such, FSI proposed the establishment of a realistic timeframe for an eventual abolishment of Cabotage Policy.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"How long will the policy be implemented? We believe that all policies must have timeframes to see their effectiveness and also to conduct reviews on them."</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mohd Basri said Sepanggar Bay Container Terminal (SCBT) should be designated as Malaysia's other transshipment hub to serve the Far East region where Load Equalisation Scheme can be initiated to channel designated goods bound for Port Klang to SBCT to facilitate the hub status.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"The Government should also introduce Freight Equalisation Scheme in the form of cost compensation for Sabah businesses and also establish a Logistics Council to monitor the cost structure and efficiency of shipping companies."</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mohd Basri disclosed, to be more effective, FSI has also established a taskforce on Cabotage to be headed by FSI Honorary Life President Datuk Seri Wong Khen Thau.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"He is the right person for this position and they will conduct discussions with the stakeholders (on the issue)."</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Meanwhile, Wong refuted claims made by a certain local exporter, Richard Wong, published in a local newspaper on Tuesday.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In the report, Richard claimed that the opposition and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are trying to demonise the Cabotage Policy and spreading rumours about the domestic industry which has resulted in 'myths' on the policy.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"There is no myth in FSI's stance or that of the opposition and NGOs on the Cabotage Policy issues. Instead, the claimant (Richard) had created the myths, judging by his statements.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"FSI has no reason whatsoever in demonising the Cabotage Policy as doing so would not benefit either its members or the people of Sabah," Wong said.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rather, according to Wong, as a representative of the industry, especially the manufacturers, FSI is one with their feelings and carries their industry grievances and voices across so as to be heard, and so that they can get the help needed, grow, expand and contribute to the State's socio-economic development.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"We wonder whether the claimant is a representative of the shipping companies or an exporter.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"We would appreciate if he is a real".</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thursday, January 14, 2016</span></div>

No myth on Cabotage: FSI

The Federation of Sabah Industries (FSI) proposed full liberalisation of the route between Port Klang and KK Port as one of the measures to...

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DASAR KABOTAJ

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERHObrb4ygZqdFWqtxBkGhJe4l3BkeNtw11Zl7tCNloTG7CQPIhkCyrEYSfk7c5YmW9p9SnEp6UE24zyMpDQhM22bdVlsFt4ZO4mLUqSxpTRXOKOPqg_mw5FWRIslieZWlas7nITGCVg/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERHObrb4ygZqdFWqtxBkGhJe4l3BkeNtw11Zl7tCNloTG7CQPIhkCyrEYSfk7c5YmW9p9SnEp6UE24zyMpDQhM22bdVlsFt4ZO4mLUqSxpTRXOKOPqg_mw5FWRIslieZWlas7nITGCVg/s400/01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">DASAR KABOTAJ Diperkenalkan pada tahun 1980 oleh kerajaan UMNO/BN</b></div> <ol> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Dasar ini mewajibkan setiap barang yang kita beli dari luar negara harus di hentar ke palabuhan klang terlebih dahulu kemudian kapal malaya akan menghantar barang tersebut ke Sabah. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Dasar ini juga mewajibkan setiap barang yang kita jual ke luar negara harus dihantar ke pelabuhan klang terlebih dahulu baru dihantar ke negara pembeli. </span></li> </ol> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Kesan: </b></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <ul> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Harga barang Sabah lebih mahal dari malaya. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Harga hasil pertanian atau sebarang hasil keluaran Sabah lebih murah dari malaya.</span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Kos pengangkutan dan perkhidmatan bertambah tinggi.</span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Pelabur Asing tidak mahu melabur di Sabah kerana mengelak kos yang tinggi. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Kilang-kilang tertumpu di malaya.</span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Tiada peluang pekerjaan. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Pengangguran bertambah. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Kelembapan pembangunan. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Penghijrahan penduduk ke malaya. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Dasar ini melemahkan ekonomi Sabah dan penduduk Sabah. </span></li> </ul> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sekiranya Dasar ini dimansukan: </b></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <ul> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Harga barang Sabah lebih murah kerana Sabah lebih dekat dengan China, Taiwan dan Jepun. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Harga hasil pertanian seperti getah lebih mahal dari malaya kerana Sabah lebih dekat dengan china, Taiwan dan Jepun. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Kos pengangkutan lebih murah. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Kos perkhidmatan lebih rendah. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Banyak pelabur asing akan melabur di Sabah. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Kilang banyak dibina di Sabah. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Banyak peluang pekerjaan. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Kurang pengangguran. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Pembangunan pesat. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">kurang penghijrahan penduduk. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Ekonomi Sabah dan penduduk Sabah meningkat. </span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Rakyat Sabah akan hidup senang.</span></li> <li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Pertambahan penduduk akan meningkat. </span></li> </ul> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sekiranya dasar kabotaj yang diperkenalkan oleh UMNO/BN ini dimansukan maka Sabah akan mendapat banyak kebaikan. Selama 32 tahun sabah mengalami kerugian kerana dasar ini. Sekiranya anda bersetuju dengan memansukan dasar ini, maka ayuh kita berjuang dalam STAR untuk menghapuskan penindasan UMNO/BN terhadap sabah dan penduduk sabah kerana pemimpin sabah dalam UMNO? BN tidak pernah menentang dasar ini.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">* DDJK</span></div>

DASAR KABOTAJ

DASAR KABOTAJ Diperkenalkan pada tahun 1980 oleh kerajaan UMNO/BN Dasar ini mewajibkan setiap barang yang kita beli dari luar negara ha...

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CABOTAGE Policy Must Go In Borneo States

<div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisv0gXsCPI5LZ1EPJLczqJits9L7zMwthE8buFLFxo8uGO3nWxYw-3ySdhwT9iweE2mwpsl-xYROlW2EeDyDPMsZVEhOAq3rSxvI355OoTTBC719PLbydLayPzouL-vD5VgiTO6U2pOzR8/s1600/DDJK+background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisv0gXsCPI5LZ1EPJLczqJits9L7zMwthE8buFLFxo8uGO3nWxYw-3ySdhwT9iweE2mwpsl-xYROlW2EeDyDPMsZVEhOAq3rSxvI355OoTTBC719PLbydLayPzouL-vD5VgiTO6U2pOzR8/s320/DDJK+background.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“The National Export Council (NEC) which is scheduled to meet next month and discuss amongst other things, the cabotage policy, should state in no uncertain terms that the crippling and costs increasing cabotage policy for Sabah and Sarawak should be abolished” said Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, STAR Sabah Chief and Bingkor Assemblyman in response to the disclosure by the Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek that implementation of the cabotage policy was no longer practical, particularly involving export companies in Sabah, and will be discussed at next month’s meeting of the NEC.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“If the federal government still feels that the cabotage policy should be continued, then it should adopt the 1-Country 2-System (1-C 2-S) and maintain the cabotage policy for the ports in Malaya and exclude the ports in Sabah and Sarawak.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As rightly stated by the Agriculture Minister, he understood the challenges faced by the Sabah exporters in delivering their goods, in particular agro-food products to other countries, as they were forced to go through Port Klang first under the cabotage policy.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It matters not and extremely disappointing for a Sabah State Minister to request federal ministers to communicate with each other on the cabotage policy as if trying to make excuse for their various contradictory statements.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It is made worse for him to say that he is not taking sides on whether to abolish the cabotage policy given that he is a Sabah minister.   As part of the government responsible for Sabah, he should support the abolishment, although a federal policy, as it was clearly detrimental to Sabah’s interests and against the welfare of Sabahans.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Endless reports and appeals have been made to discard the cabotage policy for Sabah and Sarawak over the years but they have all fallen on deaf ears.    Perhaps, the Umno-led BN federal government will only listen when Sabah and Sarawak throw them out of Putrajaya in the next general elections but by then they will realize it too late.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">By all means continue the cabotage policy in Malaya and close all the Malayan ports and bar foreign shipping from plying between Malayan ports.  With the 1-C 2-S in cabotage and exclusion of the Sabah and Sarawak ports, foreign vessels will be able to ply between ports in Sabah and Sarawak and ports in Malaya.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As concluded in a previous study by the Federation of Sabah Industries (FSI), the cabotage policy in 2012 cost each of the 3.2 million population in Sabah an estimated RM175.00 per month in shipping costs.   It is probably more than RM200 per person per month now in 2015.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">With the abolishment of the cabotage policy, the federal government could help establish Sabah as the “Hub of the Far East” or dubbed “Dubai of the Far East” as proposed by the FSI and its immediate past president, Datuk Seri Wong.  </span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">With Kota Kinabalu as a regional shipping hub, it will lead to economic growth in the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-East Asean Growth Area (BIMEAGA) especially Sabah and Sarawak.   As a result, Malaysia flagged ships could increase their shipping volume from this economic growth and achieve the original intent of the cabotage policy but which it had failed to meet miserably since its implementation in the 1980s.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Lack of communication between federal ministers causing confusing and lack of clarity or failed objectives of the policy should not be excuses to make Sabahans suffer the continuation of the cabotage policy.  Steps should be taken urgently to abolish the policy and this should be supported whole-heartedly by the Sabah government for the good of Sabah and Sabahans.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Posting Source:</b> http://awis72.blogspot.my/2016/01/the-national-export-council-nec-which.html</span></div>

CABOTAGE Policy Must Go In Borneo States

“The National Export Council (NEC) which is scheduled to meet next month and discuss amongst other things, the cabotage policy, should stat...

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