KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will develop its Blue Economy while maintaining security of its waters, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (pic).
He said the state's potential to become a Blue Economy hub – sustainably using its sea and coastal resources for economic growth – is immense, given its rich marine biodiversity and strategic location along regional trade routes.
"Within the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 framework, the maritime sector and Blue Economy have been identified as new drivers of the state’s growth through the development of a modern fisheries industry, strengthening of the seafood value chain, expansion of marine tourism, improvement of port infrastructure, and the development of coastal and border towns as new economic hubs.
"However, this potential can only be fully realised when the security of the state’s waters is always assured.
"Without stable security, investments in the maritime sector, marine tourism and the seafood industry will not develop well," he said after presenting Hari Raya Aidilfitri goodies to members of the security forces and healthcare workers at Menara Kinabalu here on Tuesday (March 10).
Hajiji noted that Sabah holds a strategic position with a coastline of more than 1,400km.
"In the context of national security, Sabah represents Malaysia’s front line in Borneo and the Sulu Sea, placing the state as Malaysia’s maritime economic gateway in this region.
"Particularly in Eastern Sabah, the ESSZone or Eastern Sabah Security Zone covers 10 main districts namely Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau.
"This area is strengthened through the role of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), which coordinates land, sea and air security operations along the east coast, and its existence stands as a symbol of national sovereignty in Eastern Sabah.
"Therefore, bolstering security is crucial not only to protect the people but also to open opportunities for the development of border towns as new economic gateways for the state through cross-border trade, logistics, ports and marine resource-based industries," he said.
Hajiji said the state government greatly values the sacrifices of its security forces who dedicate their time, spirit and energy to ensure that the nation’s borders remain secure and safe.
The Chief Minister said that besides physical security, the well-being of the state also depends on the health of the people.
"The state government greatly appreciates healthcare workers who remain committed to combating infectious diseases, including tuberculosis (TB), which continues to pose a public health challenge in the state.
"Early detection efforts, continuous treatment and health awareness programmes carried out by healthcare personnel are crucial in protecting communities, particularly in rural and coastal areas," he said.
Hajiji noted that frontliners shoulder a heavy responsibility in ensuring the community's safety.
"Therefore, these goodies presented today are a token of remembrance and appreciation," he added.
