Joachim: POIC LD Port best left as independent entity
Published on: Sunday, March 14, 2021
By: Borneo Post Online
Dr Joachim (third from left) and Yong (second from left) listening to a briefing from the Port Operation Manager at the POIC Container Terminal, Lahad Datu, while others look on.
LAHAD DATU: The port at Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) Lahad Datu, here, is best left as an independent entity as it envisages a wider role in the development of eastern Sabah.Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam expressed support for the port at the Lahad Datu POIC (collectively called POIC Lahad Datu Port), saying the reputed port is the result of some 15 years of development of the 4,400-acre industrial park.
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POIC Lahad Datu is a project of State-owned POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd and has been in operation since 2005.
“I have been assured of POIC Sabah’s capacity and ability in handling the port and its envisaged growth in the context of BIMP-EAGA, RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) and the Lombok-Makassar shipping route.
“I support the POIC port going forward,” he said during a working visit to POIC Lahad Datu here, Saturday.
Their itinerary includes a visit to the Genting-Musim Mas integrated plant, reputed to be the single largest investment in POIC Lahad Datu and combines palm oil refinery, biodiesel and biochemical facilities.
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Dr Joachim, who is also State Industrial Development Minister, said the POIC port, which includes terminals for container, dry bulk and liquid cargo, is an important asset to POIC Sabah and the State.
“It is a crucial piece of the infrastructure puzzle for major projects that are being considered to speed up development in the east coast of Sabah.”
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He said these projects included the recently mooted idea to turn POIC Lahad Datu into an expansive free trade zone, improving Lahad Datu’s connectivity with a new international airport integrated with a ferry terminal and Lahad Datu as the eastern hub of Malaysia’s Smart City vision.
Dr Joachim was accompanied on his visit by top officials of his Ministry and the Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR).
He chaired a meeting with these officials and top management of POIC Sabah after being briefed on the company’s operations by Chief Executive Officer Gwendolen Vu and Port Operations Manager Chee Sai Kee.
Dr Joachim will meet with local authorities where delivery of services is expected to dominate the proceedings.
Meanwhile, he called for cooperation between all government departments and agencies in ensuring that essential and public amenities are well maintained, not only to ensure that the ratepayers and investor community are well served but also ensuring positive impression on government services and facilities.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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