Companies Developing Value-added Products From Sabah’s Natural Resources Can Go International

KOTA KINABALU (Sept 25): Companies that turn Sabah’s natural resources into value-added products have the potential to go to international markets while creating more jobs for Sabahans, said Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob.

The Sabah Development Berhad (SDB) chairman said companies such as Shiang Lung Supply Sdn Bhd demonstrated how Sabah’s land and sea resources could be developed into high-value commercial products.

“I strongly support such efforts because investors are willing to invest in Sabah to explore business opportunities. Sabah is a state rich in natural resources, both at sea and on land. It is up to us how we extract these resources and turn them into products,” he said after visiting Shiang Lung’s swiftlet bird’s nest processing factory and premises here recently.

He said the company, which has about 130 employees, is involved not only in swiftlet bird’s nest products but also fish and seafood-based products, including downstream products for wider markets.

He said further expansion could create more employment opportunities for Sabahans, including graduates and school leavers, while generating economic opportunities for businesses in logistics, supply, and support services.

“When these products are marketed with the label ‘Product of Sabah’, they indirectly carry Sabah’s name overseas,” he said.

Yusof also welcomed Shiang Lung’s efforts to obtain halal certification, saying this could open access to Muslim-majority markets, particularly in the Gulf region.

He urged the state government and relevant agencies to support companies with potential to develop local products by expediting approvals and providing platforms for promotion at domestic and international trade events.

Shiang Lung managing director Kent Lim Vun Tung said the company is committed to developing products linked to the state’s natural resources.

“We are proud to be a company based in Sabah and to build our business by leveraging the diversity and wealth that Sabah possesses.

“From bird’s nests to fish maw and sea cucumbers, these products have a very close connection to our home state. We see it as a responsibility to carefully develop these products and bring their quality to wider markets,” he said.

Lim said the company is exploring opportunities in Muslim-majority markets.

“We recognise the potential of the Muslim-majority market and see opportunities to expand our existing business by reaching new customer segments, particularly in the Gulf region,” he said.

Yusof also encouraged more Sabahans, particularly youths and graduates, to consider entrepreneurship rather than relying solely on salaried employment.

“To become an entrepreneur, we have to start from the bottom and grow gradually until the business becomes bigger,” he said.

He urged aspiring Bumiputera entrepreneurs to strengthen their knowledge and experience, seek suitable partners, and utilise assistance available through agencies such as Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) and Tekun Nasional.

“We want to see more local entrepreneurs who are capable of growing into large businesses and subsequently bringing Sabah’s name to the international stage,” he added.

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