KOTA KINABALU: The relevant agencies in Sabah are urged to facilitate foreign investors and resolve any issues faced by them to ensure the state remains an investor-friendly destination.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam gave an example of speeding up and simplifying matters involving South Korean investor SK Nexilis that was setting up its factory at Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) here.

Dr Joachim, who is also state Industrial Development Minister, assured that the state government through his ministry, was constantly following up on the progress of multibillion foreign investments in Sabah including SK Nexilis with its RM4.2bil investment in copper foil factory development.

He said this during his visit to SK Nexilis Malaysia Sdn Bhd site on Tuesday (Oct 25), where the project is 42% completed.

“I want the agencies to assist in the construction progress, including resolving all issues arising throughout the construction and operation phase of the factory.

“This investment is not only capable of increasing the economic growth of Sabah, especially the industrial sector, but also creating job opportunities for the people in the state.

“The state government is grateful for the commitment given by SK Nexilis Malaysia to employ as many local Sabahan as possible for the future operation of the factory,” he said in a statement issued after the visit.

Dr Joachim said the company was also committed to improving local workers’ ability by sending 43 engineers to undertake the advanced course at SK Nexilis South Korea recently.

“It is understood that more local workers will be given the opportunity and will be sent to undertake the advanced courses at SK Nexilis South Korea to gain knowledge and improve their capabilities.

“Thus the cooperation of all the relevant agencies will undoubtedly open up more opportunities and increase the confidence of SK Nexilis Malaysia to continue investing and expanding their business in Sabah,” he stated.