Multiplier effect likely from Indonesian move
Published on: Wednesday, August 21, 2019
By: Ottey Peter
KOTA KINABALU: The Indonesia Government’s decision to move its national capital from Jakarta to Kalimantan is expected to have an economic multiplier effect on Malaysia, especially Sabah.
Deputy Chief Minister cum Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, said Sabah could be like what Johor is to Singapore, to this new (Indonesian) capital.
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“That is why we are giving priority to connectivity in terms of road through Serubung in Kalabakan and the airlines to all the major cities in Kalimantan and ships,” he said.
Malaysia-Singapore Business Council Co-Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Nik Norzrul Thani said they are looking at how they can strategise the investment in Sabah as the springboard for Indonesia and Borneo as a whole.
“We should look not only at Sabah but more on the multiplying effect of the new capital, including in terms of logistics.
“Although it is still in the early stage, where we still don’t know which part of Kalimantan is to become Indonesia’s new capital, we hope we can strategise Sabah as a base...it is a good opportunity for Sabah,” he said.
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The council’s Co-Chairman, Robert Yap, who is also Chairman of Singapore National Employers Federation and who led the Singapore business group in the meeting, also echoed Dr Nik saying they are anticipating a lot of opportunities to come along with the move.
Yap also said the Singaporean business group members were also very impressed at what Sabah can offer.
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“I think Sabah is a beautiful State, with very nice hospitality and people. There are a lot of opportunities, a lot of businesses, opportunities like in the manufacturing, tourism and logistics, among others…these are among areas where we are very keen to look at how we can work together,” he said.
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The one-day meeting was participated by 107 businessmen, of whom 90 from Malaysia and from Singapore, 17.