KOTA KINABALU: The Federation of Sabah Industries (FSI) are urged to continue positive collaborations, such as at the Sabah International Expo (SIE), to promote business and trade to attract more domestic and international investors to Sabah.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajijii Haji Noor was pleased to note that the
FSI has joined forces with captains of industries to move Sabah’s economy.
“Collaboration and synergy between the business community and government are key
to ensure seamless implementation of our development agenda that will not only benefit
our state but also contribute significantly to the nation’s prosperity,” he said at the FSI
40th Anniversary Gala Night at the Hakka Hall near here tonight.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister II/Minister of Local Government and
Housing Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
He said the State Government has always appreciated the private sector’s support as
partners in progress in the development of Sabah.
“Indeed, the state government remains committed to lead and will push the development
momentum for all to thrive. Our development agenda under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju
Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan that focuses on the three main thrusts of agriculture,
industry and tourism as the economic growth focus as well as human capital and
people’s well-being, infrastructure network and green sustainability, has borne fruits
going into the third year,” he said.
The Chief Minister said Sabah has done well in domestic and foreign investments, as
evidenced from January to September 2023, where the state has recorded RM10.2
billion worth of investments, creating 891 employment from 99 projects.
This represented 13 projects from the manufacturing sector, seven from the primary
sector (mining, plantation and commodity) and 79 from the services sector (real estate,
trade and distribution, tourism and utilities).
He said the establishment of a dedicated state investment task force spoke volume of
the State Government’s commitment to providing comprehensive support, guidance,
and a conducive environment for investors to thrive and succeed.
The State Government has taken proactive steps to ensure investing in Sabah continues to be as seamless as possible in areas such as the energy sector, green technology- based products, biomass downstream products, oil and gas and tourism, he said.
Hajiji said Sabah welcomed investors to look into investment and business opportunities
in new industries, including the emerging Blue Economy concept of sustainable use of
marine resources for economic development to generate jobs and improve the people’s
livelihood.
He said that as Sabah formed the core of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-
Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area – BIMP-EAGA, the state can look forward to deeper economic integration in this region and becoming a regional nexus for manufacturing, maritime, and transportation, catering to both emerging and established nations beyond Sabah’s shores.
“I applaud FSI’s efforts to not only see Sabah developed as an economic hub but also for its resolve to protect, promote and ensure a stable, conducive and transparent business environment across all industries. Your objective aligns with the state government’s aspiration of progressing Industry as one of the main SMJ thrusts.
“I am also happy to see FSI’s role in continuing to uphold the spirit of industry leadership,
pooling resources, shaping economies and making concerted efforts to introduce new
avenues and opportunities to propel our industry and economy forward.
“Well done, FSI and your esteemed members, for the remarkable progress achieved over these four decades. The Sabah State Government welcomes contributions such as FSI’s to pursue more opportunities to take Sabah to the next level,” he said.-pr/BNN
