KDM businessmen urged to grab O&G opportunities

KOTA KINABALU: Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) members are encouraged to venture into the fast growing oil and gas industry in Sabah or else be left out of a lucrative business.

KCCI president Bonipasius Bianis said they would assist companies under their wing to meet the requirements and qualifications needed to obtain licences to operate in the oil and gas industry.

To date, less than 10 members from a total of 500, comprising companies and individuals statewide are in the oil and gas industry.

“It is not that much problem in obtaining licence, except that our members do not meet some of the qualifications and requirements … so we are currently carrying out upgrading works to meet the standards,” he told reporters.

KCCI officials led by Bonipasius had called on Resource Development and Information Technology Minister Datuk Siringan Gubat at the latter’s office at Wisma Bandaraya, here on Tuesday.

Bonipasius said KCCI is very much younger compared to other chambers of commerce and industry in the state but would not be lagging behind for too long.

“We only have been around for 15 years, compared to the Bumiputera, Chinese and Malay chambers which have been in existence for decades now,” he said.

“There are a lot of things to catch up and of course, being young, we are striving hard to educate our members through exposures and information on the opportunities available.

“It is our hope that one day we will be as good as, or at par, with the senior chambers”.

On another development, Bonipasius said he had introduced the new KCCI line-up for the year 2013-2016 to Siringan, besides updating the minister on their programmes and activities.

“We were also updated on programmes that would be of benefit to our members, such as business opportunities or courses to further improve the members.

“During the call, we also expressed our support to the Ministry’s latest course, which is catered for housemaids. This is very much needed by Sabah, and we hope this scheme will attract locals, especially the school leavers,” he said.

He added that KCCI will be conducting a membership drive in Ranau.

Source : Borneo Insider