Warisan to make Tawau, Semporna seafood hub
Published on: Thursday, September 14, 2017
Kota Kinabalu: Parti Warisan Sabah wants to transform Semporna into a tourism paradise and Tawau into an important seafood hub in the east coast.Its Vice President Junz Wong said under the party's roadmap, its President Datuk Shafie Apdal has envisioned the east coast to grow by exploiting its natural resources and maximising its potential.He said establishing Tawau as a seafood hub will do away with having to deliver it from the east coast to Kota Kinabalu.ADVERTISEMENT "Fishermen and fish farmers will only have to drop their catch at the hub for processing and export without going through Kota Kinabalu," he explained.He said the hub will have a lab for the purpose of certificate application and quality test prior to seafood products being exported out.He expressed confidence that this move will benefit the people economically and make the industry more efficient.He also said the Tawau port has been identified for the hub in view of its strategic location that is near to Kalimantan and the Celebes Sea.
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"When Tawau port has been upgraded into a seafood export hub, it is hoped that the fishing industry in Sandakan and Lahad Datu will shift to the district," he added.In the meantime, Junz said a Warisan government will establish its own Sabah Palm Oil Board (SPOB) so as not to be dependent on the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB).
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"We believe SPOB can develop the oil palm industry more efficiently, especially the downstream activities," he said.He pointed out that currently the practice is that export of Crude Palm Oil can be done through five exporters selected by MPOB.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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"Through SPOB, everyone will have the chance in downstream industry. This will maximise the industry's potential and eliminate discrimination because no one will have a monopoly," he said.On the military and maritime agencies, Junz said a Warisan government will propose that they be relocated to the east coast from Lok Kawi and Sepanggar, respectively, to beef up security.