Sabah may revive barter trading: CM

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government is considering reviving barter trade in the State that was ceased by the previous administration on April 6, 2016.Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (pic) said this would cover several barter trade centres in the East Coast, namely Tawau, Sandakan and Lahad Datu, and one in Kudat.

"I have called for a Cabinet level discussion soon to resume the activity with Indonesia and the Philippines.

We will need a system such as the landing port," he told a press conference here, Wednesday.

Shafie said there was a request for this activity to be revived following a survey and study conducted, which showed several businesses were shut down, affecting those who depended on barter trade.

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Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government continued its momentum in managing the economy in line with the commitment and spirit of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) when it posted record high state revenue of RM6.973 billion last year.

"This (revival of barter trade) may open up opportunities not only for Sabah but also neighbouring countries.

"They (neighbouring countries) may have problems. If they have no work, they will be involved in unhealthy activities. May be. I am not saying it can, but may be it will stop their involvement in unhealthy activities," he said.

Shafie also said apart from formulating a system, the Government will limit the items allowed for the barter trade activity, particularly subsidised items.

"We will not allow subsidised items to be sold that will benefit the foreigners," he assured.

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In April 2016, the previous government announced that it had unanimously agreed to implement new measures to further tighten security condition in Sabah, including ceasing barter trade activities.

The previous State Cabinet agreed on the move as a proactive measure following the kidnapping of four Malaysian boat crew by eight Filipino gunmen off Sabah's Ligitan Island earlier that month. - Jeremy S Zabala

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