MICCI’s Role as a Partner and Link in Development

The Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) is a vital partner with the government at state and federal governments in promoting a good business environment. The MCCI has constantly developed and implemented a robust regulatory framework conducive to a healthy business environment. In Sabah, the MICCI has been a leading industry leader in policy framing and decision-making, including being the leader in the biennial Sabah International Expo, an event which has successfully promoted commerce, trade and investment for two decades.

In the Chief Minister’s message delivered by Datuk Ceaser Mandela Malakun, Senior Private Secretary, on 17 April 2025 at the MICCI Sabah Branch annual luncheon 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said that MICCI, with its formidable corporate membership across various business sectors from numerous countries and investments worth billions, the MICCI is a vital link and partner.

“It’s resilience and history of support to members in developing their businesses in the country is commendable,” Hajiji said. On Sabah’s progress and development, Hajiji said that the State Government continues to spur economic growth, and it has approved a RM6.42 billion budget for 2025, the highest-ever budget.

The government’s development plans include the following:
• Upgrade infrastructure and utilities, particularly those involving water, electricity, and roads.
• Investment on renewable energy.
• Improve hydro capacity at the Ulu Padas hydroelectric project to produce 87.5MW and supply 6,000 million litres daily (MLD) of water.
• Increase the capacity of existing water treatment plant.
• Increase gas supply and energy to resolve energy shortages.
• Engage in management of logistics and supply chain infrastructure in at the Sapangar Bay Container Port

Since September 2020 Sabah’s foreign and domestic investments in the manufacturing sector are estimated at RM17.41 billion from 73 companies of which 52 of these companies have already set up businesses in the state with a total investment of RM7.8 billion and created 3,636 jobs. Hajiji said that from 2022 to 2024, Sabah has received new investment proposals worth an additional RM42.3 billion, offering 32,996 jobs.

The investment companies include SK Nexilis; the Kibing Group; Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd; Curix Sdn Bhd (KKIP); Kibing Group’s third production line (KKIP); Tex Evolusi Waste Management Sdn Bhd (SOGIP); E Concern (Borneo); the Kibing Group’s investment at Kimanis; TS Asia Green Infrastructure Sdn Bhd at POIC Lahad Datu; and PMB Technology/Press Metal in Sipitang. “These investments are worth RM58.319 billion, Hajiji said. “The Blue Economy, which was launched in 2024, will also be a game changer in the state’s economic diversification with its 14 components including renewable ocean energy, blue carbon, tourism, maritime transport, and marine biotechnology.”