INANAM: The State Government is committed to shape a modern, competitive and inclusive economy for Sabah through the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya development plan, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.”
Under our Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan, we are clear in our direction. Our SMJ roadmap aims to shape an economy that is modern, competitive, and inclusive, one that uplifts every community, both rural and urban.
“It was crafted to serve as the overarching framework for various sectoral development blueprints. Our commitment to Sabah’s future is reflected in the Plan, resting on three foundational pillars – first, Agriculture, Industry, and Tourism, second, Investing in our people and third, Enhancing Connectivity with a Green Approach.
“We are not simply building an economy, we are building a shared future, where the benefits of progress are felt across every district, including here in Inanam,” he said at the official opening of the AFFIN Inanam Branch at Plaza Kolombong here today.
The Chief Minister said no economy can thrive without financial inclusion.
“A strong, accessible, and inclusive banking system is essential to unlock the full potential of our people and businesses. In Sabah, 98 per cent of all businesses are SMEs, the engine of local enterprise and employment.
“But many of these businesses still face real barriers: limited access to credit, lack of digital readiness, and difficulty in navigating changing markets,” he said.
Hence, banks like AFFIN can help close this gap, through targeted financing for sectors such as agriculture and eco-tourism, mentoring and advisory support, dedicated financing for women entrepreneurs and financial literacy programmes that prepare Sabahans, especially youths, for the demands of today’s economy, he said.
“We believe that every Sabahan should be empowered with the financial tools and support to grow, save, build, and contribute to our economy. We recognise that meaningful development must begin with access to capital, financial services, and the tools that enable entrepreneurship and upward mobility.
“For our rural communities, small businesses, and youth stepping into the digital economy, it must enable progress and unlock potential,” he said.
Hajiji said that with AFFIN’s comprehensive range of banking products and services, Sabah is paving the way for a more financially inclusive society where opportunity reaches all.
He congratulated AFFIN Group on its string of achievements, notably winning the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 for the second consecutive year and successful debut in the USD bond market, with 3.5 times oversubscription, demonstrating robust institutional confidence in AFFIN’s fundamentals and affirming its credibility.
“AFFIN is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, marking five decades of growth, resilience, and contribution to Malaysia’s financial landscape.
“Throughout this journey, AFFIN has supported families, built businesses, and contributed to national development. That it has chosen to strengthen its presence in Sabah during this golden jubilee year is both timely and meaningful. Congratulations on your significant 50th anniversary milestone,” he said.-pr/BNN
