KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government has allocated RM36.86 million in Budget 2026 for programmes to strengthen local businesses and help entrepreneurs access new markets, Permanent Secretary to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Josie Lai said.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of BIGSABAH Sale 2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre, Lai said the allocations include RM5 million for the State Entrepreneurship Programme, RM16.86 million to support entrepreneurs taking part in domestic and international expos, and RM15 million for the SME-UP Assistance Programme.
The SME-UP programme helps businesses improve productivity and operational capacity through assistance for machinery, equipment, packaging and certification, she said.
Lai said the government’s support must be matched by businesses’ efforts to innovate, adapt to market changes, embrace technology and improve the quality of their products and services.
She congratulated SICC, led by chief executive officer Datuk Dr Hajah Rosmawati Haji Lasuki, and the organising committee on the event, and thanked sponsors, partners, exhibitors and participating organisations.
This year’s BIGSABAH Sale brought together participants from 11 countries and nine Malaysian states. More than 300 exhibitors occupied over 600 booths, according to Lai’s speech.
The event’s theme, “Across Markets, Beyond Borders,” reflected the opportunity for businesses of all sizes to reach beyond their immediate communities, she said. Sabah’s entrepreneurs were producing distinctive local products and services, but needed support and opportunities to build their capabilities and expand into larger markets.
Lai said BIGSABAH Sale’s programmes—including the Agro Forum, Trade Connect, AI Business Scale-Up Bootcamp and professional development workshops—provided opportunities for knowledge-sharing, networking and business development.
She urged organisers to strengthen trade and business-matching activities, saying the event’s long-term success should be measured by outcomes such as new customers, orders, partnerships, expanded markets and jobs—not just visitor numbers or sales during the event.
Looking ahead to Visit Sabah 2027, Lai said tourism, trade and entrepreneurship could work together to help visitors discover local products and cultural heritage while ensuring tourism benefits reach communities.
She encouraged organisers and businesses to attract more buyers, exhibitors and partners from outside Sabah, with the goal of establishing BIGSABAH Sale as a recognised regional platform for trade and entrepreneurship.
Lai officially declared the 2026 event closed, calling for continued collaboration to help Sabah businesses reach new markets and achieve sustainable growth.-BNN
