SEMPORNA: Semporna is not merely an ordinary coastal district, instead it is the pulse and key catalyst for Sabah’s economic transformation through the Blue Economy agenda under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the district’s extraordinary potential could generate large-scale economic spillover effects if managed strategically, benefiting not only the local community but also the entire State.
“In other words, Semporna’s success is Sabah’s success,” he said at a dinner held in conjunction with his working visit to the district as part of the ESS Zone Security Inspection held at the Grand Ballroom, Seafest Hotel Semporna, on Wednesday.
He said Semporna has already taken the lead in several important initiatives that could serve as benchmarks, particularly in the high-impact and sustainable marine tourism sector.
For example, he said Sipadan Island has successfully implemented a daily visitor quota system, which has now become a model for high-value and sustainable tourism management, ensuring a balance between environmental conservation and economic activities.
“At the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, we are witnessing harmonious synergy between tourism, biodiversity conservation and community participation. This is the foundation of the community-based tourism concept that we want to expand because it ensures that Semporna’s natural wealth is returned to its people,” he said.
Hajiji said the State Government is now intensifying efforts to transform the marine aquaculture sector to create a shift from raw material production to a value-added economy.
He said among the government’s main focuses are the expansion of integrated commercial-scale aquaculture zones, the introduction of more efficient and environmentally friendly modern sea cage technology, strong support for seaweed entrepreneurs to increase productivity and ensure export-grade quality products.
“At the same time, we are also working to attract high-impact investments in the downstream seafood processing sector so that the economic value chain can be comprehensively controlled,” he said.
Hajiji said to support the growth of the sector, the government is also formulating plans to upgrade critical supporting infrastructure in Semporna.
He said this includes the modernisation of jetty facilities and logistics networks, the development of a comprehensive cold chain system to ensure seafood quality, broader access to international export markets, as well as the provision of more organised, safe and world-class public tourism facilities.
The Chief Minister also stressed that the major development agenda in Semporna would not become a reality without strong grassroots leadership and a high commitment to sustainability principles.
He said focus areas such as Mabul Island and Kapalai Island are now facing increasing pressure from congestion and rapid development, which requires a more prudent management approach.
“If not managed properly, we risk damaging the natural assets that are the State’s economic goldmine. Sustainability must be seen as an investment, not a burden,” he said.
In this regard, he called on local leaders to play a more proactive role as the ‘main custodians’ of the ecosystem by helping to enforce regulations, combat unsustainable activities, drive community awareness campaigns and encourage youth involvement in the Blue Economy sector driven by innovation and modern technology.
Hajiji also stressed that every development in Semporna must be based on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles to ensure a balance between economic progress and long-term sustainability.
He said the government would not compromise with any form of development that only pursues short-term profits at the expense of the State’s future.
He said Semporna has the potential to emerge as a world-class sustainable marine tourism hub, a modern aquaculture centre and the nation’s leading premium seafood producer, in addition to becoming a model for coastal community economic development and a centre of reference for Blue Economy excellence in Sabah.
Hajiji said he has strong confidence that with the firm commitment of all parties, including State Government agencies, district leadership, implementing agencies and the local community, Semporna would be able to achieve those aspirations.
“What we plan and implement today is our promise to future generations, so that they inherit oceans that are not only rich in natural beauty, but also abundant with economic opportunities that guarantee a prosperous livelihood,” he said.-pr/BNN
