SANDAKAN – The Sabah United Chinese Chamber of Commerce (SUCCC) has called on palm oil industry players here to abide by the present government’s policy on the hiring of foreign workers.
Its president Tan Sri Andrew Liew said that the affected palm oil industry players could voice out their opinions and problems through the Sandakan Chinese Chamber of Commerce (SCCC), given that the SCCC is also willing to comply with the existing rules.
“The Sandakan district is dominated by palm oil cultivation.
“Given the demand for labour is high and at the same time insufficient, it is only natural to rely on foreign labour.
“However, the SCCC should pay attention to the government’s policy involving registration of foreign workers.
“With the SCCC being cooperative with the government, our Chinese merchants can use the SCCC as a platform to voice out our problems and views so that we could get pragmatic and effective solutions from the government for the industry.
“We cooperate and coordinate with each other, and work as a team,” he said.
Liew, who is also a member of the Sabah economic advisory council, said this in his opening remarks during the 72nd SCCC Inauguration Ceremony in Tiong Hua Hall here, last Saturday.
As one of the earliest Chinese business organisations established in Sabah, Liew said SCCC has been serving as a bridge between the Chinese community and the government.
“SCCC serves its role to deliver the government’s policies to the Chinese businessmen here while reporting its needs and demands to the attention of the government so that the government’s policies can be strengthened and improved; it is a win-win situation for both parties,” he said.
Liew also said that the SCCC has not only been leading the Chinese businessmen and Chinese communities in Sandakan, but has been actively participating in social development and community building activities organised by the government.
“SCCC has also contributed to the education sector of the district through its contribution to SMK Tiong Hua Sandakan,” he added.
Liew also expressed happiness that Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is determined to develop Sandakan’s economy and hoped that the government will help the district to restore its former economic glory.
The SCCC inauguration ceremony saw Chia Hock Ak sworn in as SCCC chairman, Chong Chang Hing as deputy chairman, as well as Lim Vui Khing, Khoo Huai Liang and Liaw Hen Kong as vice chairmen, respectively. – The Vibes, January 10, 2022
