Kota Kinabalu: The completion of the RM19.8 billion Singaporean owned Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd as part of Sogip’s Green Steel project is estimated to create 12,795 jobs for Sabahans.
State Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said the first phase of construction totalling RM5.78 billion would see 10,000 working Sabahans.
“Then another 2,795 Sabahans will be hired as permanent staff which is a big number for a single factory.
“The Ministry is coordinating this effort which is vital to reduce the state’s unemployment rate of 180,000 people or 7.9 per cent of the population.
“This is a long journey but I think we are on the same page of wanting Sabah’s industry to prosper,” he told Datuk Dr Jaujan Sambakong (Warisan-Sulabayan).
Phoong (DAP–Luyang) said land survey work at sea for a jetty development is underway for the project announced in 2013.
Meanwhile, the Terms of Reference for the Environmental Impact Assessment Report has been prepared for submission to the Department of Environment for approval.
“For Phase 2 and 3, Esteel is finalising a land lease agreement with SOGDC.
“This clearly shows that the investor company is committed to making Sabah its investment destination,” Phoong said.
Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob (Gagasan Rakyat– Sindumin) said the government must be sure to employ all Sabahans throughout the construction, operational and maintenance phases of the project.
“Because previous projects employed those from Sarawak, the peninsula and China. We must prioritise Sabahans.
“We can even call those 350,000 working in the peninsula to come home and work on the project,” he said.
Phoong agreed, saying that is exactly the state’s commitment which is why the policy of an 80 per cent minimum of Sabahans employees are required for foreign direct investors.
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