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Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick has formally proposed the designation of the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) Lahad Datu as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) under the BIMP-Eaga framework. The initiative is designed to attract substantial international investment and fortify the industrial landscape of the Malaysian state.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting in Kuala Lumpur with the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. This high-level dialogue follows Benedick's initial submission of the plan during the recent 2027 Budget debate in the Dewan Rakyat. Minister Johari has reportedly welcomed the proposal and expressed his commitment to visiting Sabah for further strategic discussions regarding the expansion of international investment opportunities at the cluster.
In addition to the POIC designation, the meeting addressed an application by Esteel Sabah to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) data center at the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (Sogip). This project currently awaits formal approval from a specialized committee under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti).
Benedick emphasized that continued synergy with Miti is crucial to accelerating industrial development, securing new capital inflows, and enhancing the global competitiveness and industrial value of Sabah.
Source: Daily Express