Sabah leaders have poured cold water on Malaysia’s new trade pact with the US, warning that it delivers no real benefit to East Malaysia, while enriching industries in the peninsula.

Former chief minister Yong Teck Lee and Warisan information chief Azis Jamman said the agreement, which covers tariff exemptions and large-scale imports of US gas, coal, and technology products, once again exposes how federal policies overlook Sabah and Sarawak’s economic role.