SEMPORNA: Sabah’s development should not be viewed only from the perspective of Kota Kinabalu or major towns in the state, but must be intensified in every district according to their respective needs and strengths, providing room for continued growth and development.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the commercial development at Jalan Bubul should be seen as part of Sabah’s overall development journey and not merely as a commercial project.
He said Semporna has its own unique strengths and has already gained international recognition for the beauty of its islands, crystal-clear waters and tourism attractions, particularly diving activities.
“Semporna has highly valuable natural assets. However, to ensure that this potential can be translated into greater economic benefits for the people, we need development that complements one another,” he said.
He said this in his speech at the Launching Ceremony of 106 Units of Two-Storey Shoplots under Phase 1 and the Groundbreaking Ceremony for Phase 2 and 3 of the Sabah Housing and Town Development Authority (LPPB) Commercial Project at Jalan Bubul here today.
Hajiji said the tourism sector must grow in tandem with the development of local businesses to create opportunities for local entrepreneurs, while also opening up employment opportunities for Semporna’s youth and ensuring that local communities benefit from economic growth.
He said the strategic location of the Jalan Bubul commercial area along the main Balung-Semporna route gives it the potential to develop into one of the new trading and business hubs.
“I believe that if properly planned and implemented, this area can become one of the catalysts for economic growth in and around Semporna,” he said.
Hajiji said the development area also has the advantage of being located near a river and the sea, and therefore suggested that Ampe (Semporna) Sdn. Bhd. consider constructing a jetty.
He said an attractive and suitable jetty could provide added value by allowing people to enjoy views of the river and sea, relax, watch the sunset and take photographs.
“We want to make the best possible use of the beauty that Allah has bestowed upon Semporna,” he said.
Hajiji said this year marks the beginning of a new phase in Sabah’s development through the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan 2.0 (SMJ 2.0) for the 2026-2030 period, continuing the efforts implemented under SMJ 1.0.
He said SMJ 2.0 was formulated with the aim of boosting Sabah’s competitiveness, productivity and economic value, while ensuring that development remains inclusive and sustainable.
“We want a Sabah with a more diversified economy that provides more opportunities for the people, and we want human capital that is better prepared for the economy of the future. We also want development that ultimately improves the well-being of the people,” he said.
He said the State Government would continue to provide a conducive environment for development by strengthening infrastructure, improving service delivery and attracting suitable investments, while working closely with the private sector and all stakeholders.
Hajiji also stressed that Sabah’s development is not the responsibility of the government alone, but requires the cooperation of all parties, including the private sector, implementing agencies, entrepreneurs and the people.
“We do not want Sabah to merely be a destination for investment. We want Sabahans to be part of that investment and growth,” he said.
He said progress must be felt by communities in both urban and rural areas, by large and small entrepreneurs, as well as by the younger and older generations, stressing that the State Government would continue to give attention to the development of every district because “no district is too far away and no potential should be left untapped.”-pr/BNN
