KUDAT: Kudat has the potential to be developed into a regional Blue Economy hub, capitalising on its strategic location and abundant marine resources, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
He said this aspiration was being pursued through the proposed development of the Blue Economy Industrial Park (BEIP), spearheaded by the Sabah Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
As an initial step, SEDCO is preparing a master plan for a 1,205-acre site in Kampung Limau-Limauan and Perapat Laut, while another 3,129 acres in Matunggung, Banggi and Tanjong Kapor have been identified as reserve areas for the project’s future development.
“Based on maritime development and green technology concepts, the project will focus on the seafood industry, trade logistics and marine-based economic activities, including a proposed port to serve as a regional trading zone.
“Kudat’s strategic location provides an advantage in expanding trade links with markets in China, South Korea, Japan and the Philippines,” he said when officiating the Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat Programme, Jom Malaysia Carnival, Jualan Rahmah MADANI and Mobile Community Services (MCS) for the Tanjong Kapor constituency at Dataran Tomborungus here last night.
Hajiji said attention was also being given to strengthening the deep-sea fishing industry and upgrading offshore fishing platforms along the coast to enable local communities to participate in the emerging economic opportunities.
He said the development would require strong policy support, funding and infrastructure through cooperation between the State and Federal Governments, with environmental sustainability and marine conservation remaining fundamental to its implementation.
He said Kudat is blessed with natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a creative community, reflected in its local products, including handicrafts, agricultural produce, fisheries, and tourism activities.
“Building on these strengths, we want the people of Kudat to have greater access to government services, entrepreneurial support and marketing opportunities to improve their well-being and income,” he said.
On a related matter, Hajiji welcomed the National 2027 Budget, tabled by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Oct 9, which saw Sabah receiving a Federal allocation of RM18.7 billion for next year, compared with RM17.6 billion this year.
He said the increased allocation would support efforts to strengthen basic infrastructure, improve service delivery, and lay the foundation for the State’s economic growth.
He said the RM3.3 billion allocation in the 2027 Budget for road development in Sabah and Sarawak, as well as RM350 million for the maintenance of Federal roads, complements efforts to address longstanding basic infrastructure issues, particularly roads, water and electricity supply.
Hajiji said the State Government was reviewing the people’s current needs, the State’s financial capacity and the continuity of development under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 development roadmap for 2026 to 2030.
He said Sabah’s revenue remained strong, with collections of RM6.96 billion in 2022, RM6.97 billion in 2023, RM6.87 billion in 2024 and RM6.76 billion in 2025, compared with around RM4 billion in 2019.
“Therefore, we will continue to improve revenue collection, diversify revenue sources and manage expenditure prudently to ensure the State’s financial position remains strong.
“I am optimistic that Sabah’s revenue for 2026 can surpass the RM7 billion mark,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hajiji said the programme brought together four complementary components, namely Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat, Jom Malaysia Carnival, Jualan Rahmah MADANI and MCS.
He said the programme aimed to address community welfare needs, expand the promotion and marketing of local products, ease the cost of living and bring government services closer to the people.
He also urged entrepreneurs to seize available opportunities to boost competitiveness, strengthen branding and expand markets for their products.
Hajiji also encouraged the public to support local products to help businesses grow, generate income, and create employment opportunities.-pr/BNN
