TUARAN: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor has instructed the
Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) to collaborate with
strategic government agencies such as the Ministry of Science, Technology and
Innovation and private sectors to create new economic resources for Sabah.
“We must be able to make a paradigm shift on the state’s socio-economic development
process,” he said when chairing the SEDIA board meeting at the Rumpun Bajau Samah
Cultural Centre in Lok Batik, here today.
The Chief Minister, who is also SEDIA chairman said it is time for Sabah to shed its
dependency on existing economic resources such as oil palm, oil and gas and rubber
to diversify economic resources.
“We need to take full advantage of the research, development and commercialisation
activities,” he said.
He said based on statistics by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), Sabah’s
main exports in 2022 were crude palm oil totalling RM21.1 billion, liquified natural gas
(LNG) at RM5.2 billion, crude petroleum at RM30 billion, palm kernel oil at RM 3.1 billion
and others comprising a variety of raw or processed goods at RM3.5 billion.
“This shows that we must identify a bigger market for our non-commodity products. We
must also increase production of non-commodity goods that have a high potential for
exports,” he said.
Hajiji also called upon studies and research centres in Sabah to play their role in
knowledge development, stimulate innovations and producing high-quality products with
trade value beneficial and profitable for the state.
“There are more than 21 studies and research centres in the state. We can leverage on
their research to develop Sabah’s downstream activities,” he said.
Hajiji hoped the findings from previous, ongoing and future studies by Sedia will be fully
utilised by the relevant government agencies.
Among the studies are the Redevelopment of Tourism in Mesilau; Redevelopment of
Poring Hot Spring, Ranau; Economic Development at the Sabah Border; Business and
Economic Master Plan for POIC Sandakan; SDC-Master Plan and Business Plan Study
for Free Economic Zone, Logistic Hub and Cold Storage Depot at POIC Lahad Datu and
Study on the Food Valley Master Plan in Sabah’s interior.
“I want all findings and results from these studies to be shared and used widely not only
as a basis for recommending development projects but also as a reference for both
domestic and foreign investors,” he said.
Following the meeting,the Chief Minister broke fast with SEDIA board members, local
community leaders, Tuaran mosques and surau heads at the cultural centre.-pr/BNN
