Masidi: Sabah companies must move up value chain, gain technical expertise

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 12): The Sabah government has urged the local companies to move up the value chain and take on bigger leadership roles in the state’s energy sector, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun.

Speaking at the Strategic Partnership signing ceremony between SECOV Engineering, PALB Engineering Sdn Bhd and Endress+Hauser at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here, Masidi said knowledge transfer must be a priority in all collaborations.

“We do not want local vendors to remain in small roles. We want Sabahan companies to lead in important areas such as maintenance, field operations and high-end technical services.

“The skills to maintain field instruments, heavy machinery and critical systems must be learned and mastered by Sabahans.

“We want this expertise to stay here in Sabah. When Sabahans gain the skills, Sabah gains long-term strength,” he said in a speech read by Sabah Assistant Finance Minister II, Datuk Mohd Ishak Ayub.

Masidi, who is also State Finance Minister, stressed that the approach aligns with the goals of Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ).

“SMJ is about building a stronger, more capable state. We want an industrial foundation where Sabahan firms are not just involved, but are main players driving Sabah’s progress,” he said.

He urged Sabahan companies to emulate this example by forming partnerships with strong technical experts.

“Close the skills gap. Raise your standards. This is the fastest way for our local industry to prove we are ready to handle the most critical assets linked to Sabah’s resources,” Masidi said.

He concluded that collaboration between local firms and specialised partners enhances competitiveness and capability.

“We combine our local strengths — speed, understanding of Sabah, and ability to respond quickly — with specialised expertise.

“Together, we can meet international standards and deliver high quality work.
“This is the direction we want for Sabah,” Masidi said.

Also present was SECOV managing director Jesselton Jason James.