Sabah’s Tuan Yang DiPertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman (second right) and wife Toh Puan Faridah Tussin (right) tossing the “lau sang” with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (second left) and Consulate General of the People's Republic of China Kota Kinabalu Consul General Dr Huang Shifang at the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) Reception in Kota Kinabalu on Thursday (Jan 23).
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government is committed to strengthening its synergy with China and expanding cooperation across various sectors, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Describing China as a valued partner, he noted that the strong ties between the two had brought significant benefits to both.
"China has always been a close neighbour and a valued partner.
"Malaysia and China enjoy strong relations, and continue to benefit from one another. Let us sustain this synergy and maximise our cooperation across various fields," he said at the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) Reception hosted by the Consulate of the People's Republic of China here on Thursday (Jan 23).
Also present were Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman and his wife Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, and the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China Kota Kinabalu Consul General Dr Huang Shifang.
The dignitaries, joined by other leaders, also took part in the traditional lou sang prosperity toss.
Hajiji noted that in Malaysia, particularly in Sabah, Chinese New Year is not just celebrated by the Chinese community but embraced by people of diverse ethnicities and cultures.
He also stressed the state government's focus on economic recovery and development through the Sabah Maju Jaya roadmap.
"The Sabah government hopes to work closely with the Consulate General of China in Kota Kinabalu to elevate Sabah-China relations to a higher level, ensuring greater benefits for the people of both nations.
"We also share the joy and aspirations of this Chinese New Year, reaffirming our commitment to enhancing our strong ties," he said.
Huang highlighted the growing relationship between Sabah and China, particularly in trade, investments, and people-to-people exchanges, including the sister city relationship of Kota Kinabalu and Guilin.
She noted that the Kibing photovoltaic glass production base project at Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) is now operational and would continue expanding with further investment.
"The power plant project with China Energy Construction as contractor has also started smoothly," she added.
Huang also said 16 cities in China, including Taipei and Kaohsiung, now have direct flights to Sabah.
As of November, about 454,300 Chinese tourists, including those from Taiwan, visited Sabah last year, the highest percentage among all foreign visitors.
"The Spring Festival symbolises new beginnings and hope. In 2025, China will complete its 14th Five-Year Plan, implementing policies to sustain economic growth, social progress and international cooperation.
"As global changes unfold, China will continue working with Malaysia and all nations to promote friendship, cultural understanding and mutual development. We believe that common prosperity is a shared goal and that cooperation drives progress," she said.
She also stressed China's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Sabah and Labuan.
"Together, we will write a new chapter of China-Sabah-Labuan friendship and contribute to a more robust China-Malaysia partnership for generations to come," Huang added.
