Sawit Kinabalu plans to bring various types of industries to the Sandakan Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC), said Industrial Development Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam. “Apart from the palm-oil based industry, POIC Sandakan plans to bring in manufacturing for both food and non-food based industries, as well as other compatible commercial industries,” He said during question time at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting, here, Wednesday, in response to Sungai Manila Assemblyman Mokran Ingkat who asked about the Government’s plans to develop the Sandakan POIC and what types of industries it would bring. Dr Joachim said in an effort to further expand and get other industries to invest in POIC Sandakan, Sawit Kinabalu is currently in the process of upgrading its basic infrastructure such as electricity, water and petroleum gas supply. “This infrastructure facility will attract investors to POIC Sandakan which will improve Sandakan’s economy as well as create employment opportunities,” he said. Additionally, Dr Joachim said Sawit Kinabalu is in the process of upgrading the jetty at POIC Sandakan to a port-status jetty. “This effort will directly be able to intensify the shipping industry and transport products into and out of the country,” he said. Dr Joachim said the industries currently operating at POIC Sandakan are bulking facilities as well as jetty and warehouse facilities which have created employment opportunities for 40 locals