Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) has promised to transform the fortunes of Tawau, Lahad Datu and Semporna should the party form the next Sabah government.

Warisan vice-president Junz Wong said the party's roadmap for the state seeks to turn Tawau into a seafood export hub.

Wong said that this would eliminate the need for seafood producers in Tawau from having to transport their wares to Kota Kinabalu before these could be exported.

"We are aware of the need to apply for export certification and tests to ensure quality control of our seafood produce. That is why this hub will also facilitate the laboratory for such tests.

"We are confident this will transform the economy of the people and make the industry more efficient," Wong said in a statement yesterday.

The roadmap also includes plans to upgrade the Tawau Port, which would also benefit the fisheries industry in Sandakan and Lahad Datu, he said.

Boycotting MPOB

As for Lahad Datu, Wong said a Warisan government would establish a Sabah Palm Oil Board (SPOB) in order to break the reliance on the five exporters chosen by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB).

"We believe with SPOB, we can develop the palm oil industry more effectively, especially when it comes to downstream industrialisation.

"Our palm oil players, as well as the experts, are equally capable of ensuring the quality of our crude palm oil and managing its development, for the locals know what's best for the industry," Wong said.

He said a Warisan government would also shift the military and maritime enforcement bases from Lok Kawi and Sepanggar to Lahad Datu to address security issues.

"Tawau will be a seafood export hub, Semporna a tourist paradise, while Lahad Datu will concentrate on oil palm downstream industrialisation, and Sandakan will focus on mixed efforts for both oil palm downstream as well as tourism.

"These efforts will not only create many job opportunities, but also enhance the chance for entrepreneurship under the Warisan government, especially for our younger generations," Wong added.