Special Tawau Economic Zone urged
Published on: Friday, November 27, 2015
Tawau: The government has been urged to create a 'Special Economic Zone' in four areas here – Sipadan Mangrove Resort (SMR), Tawau Airport, Sipadan Island and Sebatik Island.SMR Chief Executive Officer John Nip suggested that the zone offer tax breaks in order to attract investors."We hope our government would accelerate the approval for the zone concept because it is a win-win situation that benefits us… capital for the development will be brought from China and the government only needs to give approval," he said.ADVERTISEMENT He cited the Shen Zhen Special Economic Zone in China which is now very successful."Currently, China's population is 1.4 billion and if we can attract 0.01 per cent from the population to invest and visit Tawau, we believe that the capacity to boost Tawau's economy is really huge," he added.Nip said this at the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SMR and two big corporate companies from China, namely Xing Hui Group and Jia Yan Group, here, witnessed by Sebatik Assemblyman Datuk Abdul Muis Picho.According to him, through the signed MoU, both groups will bring in 800 tourists from China to SMR every month at an average of 200 people per week.ADVERTISEMENT "This is a good starter for the tourism industry and of course for our economy. Hence, we urge airlines companies such as Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Air Asia to start direct flights to Tawau from certain cities in China," he said.Touching on SMR's potential, Nip said SMR will become a new gateway for tourists going to Sipadan and Mabul Island with only a 30-minute boat ride which really saves time.
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"Before this, tourists going to the world heritage island need to drive to Semporna to get there but now they can take the boat at SMR and go to Sipadan or Mabul," he said, thanking Kalabakan MP Datuk Seri Abdul Ghapur Salleh for his tireless support for SMR.Nip said SMR is scheduled to be officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman on Dec 20.Meanwhile, Muis in his speech among others, cited that the MoU signing ceremony was a symbol of great cooperation between Malaysia and China in corporate sectors.On the mobile phone access problem faced by SMR's guests, Muis said he will develop an access station there to enable tourists to get good WiFi signals.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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He will also propose to the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) to add the number of personnel on duty as now there are only three personnel for 24-hour care at SMR."At the moment (the numbers) might be sufficient but additions are needed in the future especially when our China tourists or those from other countries come in. We are in dire need of security guarantee," he said.