Sabah Menteri Besar Mohd Shafie Apdal has pledged to encourage investors to pour in RM1 billion for the territory's east coast.

“I have met with the investor, Hap Seng Group. They are no strangers to Sabah, with numerous investments in various sectors.

“They have said they wanted to invest in existing sectors including palm oil and cement; I also stated that they must have investment focus and the state government would provide guidance,” he told reporters in Semporna today, according to Bernama.

Hap Seng is among the biggest palm oil plantation owners in Sabah. They are also a major construction firm.

Shafie said investments will involve Lahad Datu, Semporna and Tawau. Separately, the state government will also be attempting to entice investors to Sipitang and Papar on the west coast, he said.

He also pledged to issue land titles to applicants who have been waiting for more than 50 years.

“Just one thing I ask of you, do not sell the land, but develop it for your grandchildren,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said opposition parties were allowed to use state amenities.

“I have directed (Sabah local government and housing minister) Jaujan Sambakong to allow the opposition to use any community hall in the state, although they have to pay rent.

"We don’t want to inconvenience the public, although we (Warisan) had been criticised and prevented from using such facilities,” he said.

Shafie spoke to reporters at the sidelines of the Semporna parliamentary constituency's Aidilfitri open house event, which Bernama claimed attracted 15,000 people.