XIAMEN: November 15, 2026 – Finding quality raw materials at lower prices to reduce the burden of the people’s cost of living was the main focus of the Sabah delegation of the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCC) when meeting industry players in Xiamen.
Its president, Datuk Dexter Lau, said the meeting was not merely an exchange of views. It touched on trade proposals and the replacement of expensive raw materials with more competitive alternative products, especially for the benefit of consumers in Sabah and Sarawak.
The discussion also involved decision-makers, policy coordinators and project managers with the authority to implement an initiative.
“We are not talking about matters that only sound attractive in the meeting room. We are discussing actual implementation, including how to replace raw materials that are currently expensive with better alternative products but at a lower cost.”
“The goal is to find solutions that can ultimately help reduce the people’s cost of living, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said after the meeting.
He said the aspect of compliance with Malaysian regulations, including halal certification requirements, was also prioritised in assessing the suitability of products with the potential to be brought into the local market.
The meeting with 12 industry players took place at the Xiamen BRICS Industrial Cooperation and Overseas Development Comprehensive Service Port.
The MCCC Sabah delegation also highlighted three main industrial areas for Xiamen’s attention, namely the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP), POIC and the proposed development of the Kota Belud Industrial Park.
MCCC Sabah vice-president Yong Siew Lee described the face-to-face meeting with trade representatives and local companies as meaningful.
“I hope more Sabah entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to visit Xiamen and seek opportunities for business networks here,” she said.
Dexter described the visit as an initial step in building the foundation for larger cooperation. Every discussion, he said, needs to be translated into action and results that benefit the people.
