DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) Sabah Chief, Chan Loong Wei, has strongly condemned Elopura State Assemblyman Calvin Chong for lodging a police report and making baseless allegations against the Esteel steel plant investment project in Sipitang.
“As a people’s representative, Calvin Chong’s decision to file a police report against a foreign investor is not only outrageous and irrational but also tarnishes Sabah’s image as a investment friendly destination,” Chan stated firmly.
He explained that Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn. Bhd. had already paid RM35 million in land deposit to the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP) – a substantial sum that clearly reflects the investor’s serious and long-term commitment to Sabah.
“If the company were truly just an empty shell as claimed, would they willingly pay tens of millions in cash? This single fact alone is more than enough to refute all the reckless accusations and slander being hurled irresponsibly,” he added.
Chan further pointed out that Calvin Chong had cherry-picked information to suit his political narrative while deliberately ignoring the fact that the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) had previously imposed a moratorium on new steel industry approvals – a necessary federal measure to prevent oversupply and dumping risks, ultimately aimed at protecting industries.
“His allegations not only undermine legitimate public policy, but also expose a lack of understanding of national industrial processes.”
Chan emphasized that the Esteel project had undergone thorough due diligence and approvals from both federal and state agencies, including the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Department of Environment (DoE), local authorities among over 20 regulatory bodies. The project’s official launch was even officiated by the Right Honourable Prime Minister himself.
“When Calvin Chong questions the legitimacy of this project, he is essentially casting doubt on the professionalism of our civil servants and the integrity of our administrative system.”
He also questioned why Calvin had not raised these issues in the upcoming State Legislative Assembly sitting, instead opting to sensationalize the matter through police reports and media theatrics.
“As an elected representative, he has full access to the ministry, and could have easily sought clarification directly from the Minister or myself. But instead, he chose to politicize the issue. I challenge him – raise it in the Assembly and face it head-on. Don’t hide behind a police report.”
“If he is afraid to debate in the Assembly, then let’s have an open public debate on a neutral platform – let’s argue with facts, not perceptions. Let the people of Sabah decide for themselves.”
Chan also clarified that Esteel’s parent company, GreenSteel Limited, based in Singapore, is a legitimate and reputable international company. It recently acquired shares in Southern Steel Bhd in Penang and holds significant interest in Antara Steel in Labuan.
The construction phase is expected to commence between July and August 2025 at the SOGIP industrial site in Sipitang.
Chan concluded by stating that while DAPSY Sabah fully supports checks and balances, such scrutiny must be conducted factually and responsibly.
“We welcome oversight of any investment project, but never should investments be used as tools for cheap political gain. Sabah needs builders, not destroyers. And most importantly – we cannot allow Sabah to be branded as a high-risk zone by international investors just because of the reckless behavior of a few irresponsible leaders.”
