A total of RM 44.7 million was allocated by the Federal Government to complete four projects in Sabah under Sabah Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO).

Its Chairman, Datuk Seri Nasir Tun Sakaran said that the projects are Taman IKS (Small and Medium Entreprises) at Sepanggar, Bazaar Masjid Negeri, Sandakan Industrial Premise and Sook shop houses.

He was speaking at SEDCO's Hari Raya open house on Tuesday, 18 June.

According to him the 2-hectare Taman IKS SEDCO project will have 54 factories and are aimed at providing an avenue for Bumiputras interested in the manufacturing sector.

The project, costing an estimated RM30mil, is part of the corporation's overall plan to boost economic development for the benefit of Sabahans.

Nasir also said SEDCO has also been active in development projects and programmes in the rural areas and recently received an allocation from the State Government to build shop houses in interior Merotai, Kinabatangan and Tongod.

"These three shop lots projects are expected to be completed within next two years" said Nasir. Besides that, SEDCO is also in the process of re-developing Anjung Selera, Likas, for RM13.5 million.

"Apart from these efforts, our subsidiary companies are also involved in educational programmes for youth especially in entrepreneurship courses.

"We are not only creating awareness on these fields among students but also providing them with business opportunities" he said, adding that more than 22 schools statewide are involved in business and entrepreneurship programmes.

Meanwhile, at the open house, SEDCO distributed cash donation to 18 underprivileged staffers and a blind person from Sabah Association for The Blind.

More than 1,000 guests attended and food stalls were set up to keep guests feted.

This year is SEDCO's 45th anniversary. Among activities to be carried out are Blood Donation Campaign (Aug 13), Golf Tournament (Aug 17-19), ‘Penanaman Seribu Pokok (Sept 9) and SEDCO 45th Annual Dinner (Nov 10). Also present at the open house is SEDCO's General Manager, Pangiran Saifuddin Pg Tahir.