SABAH'S ECONOMIC PROSPECTS EXPECTED TO GROW, SUPPORTED BY SMJ 2.0 PLAN - HAJIJI

KOTA KINABALU, March 30 (Bernama) -- The Sabah state government is confident that the state economy will continue to grow positively despite uncertainties in the global economy due to conflicts in West Asia and Eastern Europe, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said.

He said this confidence is based on the implementation of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 Development Plan, which serves as the core development agenda for Sabah over the next five years and was launched on January 30.

“This direction is also aligned with the implementation of the 13th Malaysia Plan, which begins this year until 2030,” he said during the Investiture Ceremony in conjunction with the 75th birthday celebration of Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman at Istana Seri Kinabalu here today.

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The state government has also begun exploring the potential of the Blue Economy, which includes the development of marine biotechnology, smart fisheries, modern mariculture, logistics, and sustainable rural tourism as key strategic economic drivers under SMJ 2.0, he added.

He explained that the initiative also involves the protection of coastal areas, mangroves, and coral reefs, as well as the development of blue carbon toward higher value-added economic growth.

“The exploration of the Blue Economy, especially in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, is expected to generate marine-based revenue of up to RM3.25 billion annually,” he said.

Hajiji also stressed that close cooperation between the state and federal governments will continue to be strengthened to ensure development programs are implemented in an orderly, efficient, and effective manner.

“Development projects, especially priority ones involving infrastructure, healthcare, education, security, and welfare, must be closely monitored to ensure smooth progress and timely completion,” he said.

Regarding global oil supply disruptions due to geopolitical conflicts in West Asia, which are also felt in Malaysia, Hajiji advised the public to be more prudent, particularly in spending and daily vehicle use.

He also reminded the public to use water wisely due to ongoing hot weather and rising temperatures, which indicate the onset of the El Niño phenomenon and could potentially lead to prolonged drought.

“Therefore, avoid open burning and reduce outdoor activities, especially when temperatures reach unusually high levels,” he said.

In conjunction with the birthday celebration of the Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri, Hajiji called on all state leaders, including civil servants and the private sector, to strengthen their resolve and commitment in driving the state’s progress.

-- BERNAMA