KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is emerging as an economic powerhouse within Malaysia and Asean, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said apart from being known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Sabah has become one of Malaysia’s top six economic contributors, adding 5.5% to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023.
“Indeed, this is a testament to our growing economic influence and aligns with our broader goals of developing Sabah as reflected in our development plan,” he said at the Conference of the Asean Federation of Engineering Organisations (Cafeo 42) here yesterday.
His speech was read by state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
Hajiji said the state’s five-year development plan that began in 2021 served as the framework for Sabah’s various development blueprints, which sits on the foundation of pillars of agriculture, industry and tourism.
“It also invests in our people and targets to enhance connectivity with a green approach.
“Key sectors such as energy, manufacturing and tourism are rapidly expanding, with the state government pushing forward initiatives that will promote growth in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, as well as workforce development,” he said.
Hajiji said the state’s commitment to expanding its infrastructure, whether through road connectivity, ports or digital, would strengthen links within Malaysia and the wider Asean region.
He added that collaborations formed at Cafeo 42 could help propel Sabah towards becoming a central player in Asean’s growth.
