KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s economy is expected to continue growing positively despite facing external pressures, including the impact of a global economic slowdown caused by prolonged conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said this confidence is based on the implementation of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 Development Plan, which serves as the main pillar of the state’s development agenda for the next five years.
“With the conclusion of the 17th State Election at the end of November last year, the State Government that I lead is determined to intensify the development agenda for the next five years, guided by the SMJ 2.0 roadmap, launched on January 30.
“This direction is also aligned with the implementation of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK- 13), from 2026 to 2030. Hence, I am confident that through SMJ 2.0, the state economy will continue to grow positively despite external pressures such as the global economic slowdown arising from ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe,” he said.
The Chief Minister said this at the Investiture Ceremony in conjunction with the 75th Official Birthday Celebration of the Head of State at Istana Seri Kinabalu on Monday.
Hajiji said that due to the ongoing conflicts, the world’s oil supplies were also affected.
“This situation has triggered a global energy crisis, which will also be felt in this country. Therefore, I urge the people to practise prudence, particularly in spending and in the use of vehicles for daily activities,” he said.
At the same time, he also reminded the public to be more prudent in water usage following rising temperatures that indicate the onset of the El Niño phenomenon, which could potentially lead to prolonged drought.
“In this regard, avoid open burning and reduce outdoor activities, especially when temperatures reach unusually high levels,” he said.
Touching on the state’s economic performance, Hajiji said the State Government has begun exploring the potential of the Blue Economy as a key strategic driver under SMJ 2.0, leveraging Sabah’s maritime and biodiversity advantages.
“It encompasses the development of marine biotechnology, smart fisheries, modern mariculture, logistics and sustainable tourism, as well as the utilisation of rivers as economic lifelines for rural areas,” he said.
This initiative also includes the protection of coastal areas, mangroves and coral reefs, as well as the development of blue carbon towards higher value-added economic growth.
“The exploration of the Blue Economy, particularly in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, is expected to generate marine-based revenue of up to RM3.25 billion annually,” he said.
Meanwhile, he stressed that close cooperation between the State and Federal Governments will continue to be strengthened to ensure development programmes are implemented in an orderly, efficient and effective manner.
“Development projects, especially priority ones, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and welfare, must be closely monitored to ensure smooth implementation and completion as scheduled,” he said.
In conjunction with the Head of State’s birthday celebration, Hajiji also called on all state leaders, including civil servants and the private sector, to strengthen their resolve and commitment in driving Sabah’s progress.
“I would like to call on all state leaders to continue rendering their service for the prosperity of the state and the well-being of the people,” he said.-pr/BNN
