The Malaysian Insight

THE heyday of Sandakan’s economy, once dubbed “little Hong Kong” in the 1960s, has gone due to rising prices and the wrongdoing of the previous government, said Sabah Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal today.

He said DAP must retain the federal seat so it could help return Sandakan to its former economic glory.

“Sandakan was a vibrant town and known as the little Hong Kong. There were a lot of activities here.

“But as time went by, the vibrancy died down. Many shops are closing down. This is due to the impacts of the economy, rising prices and mistakes of the previous regime,” Shafie told reporters after a walkabout at Sandakan central market today.

He was accompanied by the DAP Sandakan by-election candidate Vivian Wong, DAP senior adviser Lim Kit Siang and Parti Warisan Sabah vice-president Jaujan Sambokong.

Shafie said the Warisan-led Sabah government has many plans to boost Sandakan’s economy.

Among the plans is the mass cultivation of vegetables. Shafie  said the move would lower in the local market.

Shafie also plans build a hub for downstream timber players at the site of the Sandakan Palm Oil Industry Cluster. “The ban on round log exports will ensure that we could woo investors into the state and provide job opportunities for locals,” he said.

Shafie also said tourism is also one of the areas that could assist in enhancing the district’s economy.

“We are looking into this following the expansion of the Sandakan airport. Sandakan can be the gateway to the east coast districts like Tongod, which is already famous among researchers,” he said.

Shafie said Wong is not only capable, but also energetic and can be an effective MP in Parliament.