Jaujan: Barter trade terms being scrutinised

LAHAD DATU, May 27 (Bernama) -- The operation of the barter trade system which will generate the economy and income of the people of Sabah in Lahad Datu will be reopened at any time soon after scrutinising several terms, said Sabah deputy Chief Minister Datuk Jaujan Sambakong.

He said that the system had existed for a long time and was stopped by the previous government but would be revived with the fine-tuning of several terms so that the system could function well and smoothly.

‘’The people need not worry but have to be patient, because the government already have plans and have already developed the system, but need to only wait for it to be reimplemented,’’ he told reporters here today.

In the meantime, he hoped that the people would also participate and grab the opportunities available when the system was implemented again.

In addition, Jaujan, who is also Sulabayan State Assemblyman, said the existence of the Kluster Industri Minyak Sawit (POIC) Sdn Bhd harbour would also enliven further the system, with the role of the harbour boosted.

‘’The announcement that the Sabah Chief Minister (Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal) had held a memorandum  with a Stock Exchange (company) in Singapore is, among others, towards effort of having our own refinery and oil palm trading activities.

‘’Other than showing that we are capable of becoming a hub in implementing a barter trade of our own goods, areas having oil palm like Kalimantan will send it here (Lahad Datu) as transit to be traded in several countries,’’ he said and the development of POIC and barter trade was closely connected with the generation of the economy and employment opportunities in Lahad Datu.

Meanwhile, Jaujan said the development in Sabah must be planned and more comprehensive for long term benefits.

-- BERNAMA