KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s development must be driven by the needs and strengths of every district, not concentrated in Kota Kinabalu and major towns, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said growth must be felt by local communities, both young and old, in urban and rural areas, as well as by entrepreneurs at all levels.
“We want a Sabah with a more diversified economy that provides more opportunities for the people, and we want human capital that is better prepared for the economy of the future.
“We also want development that ultimately improves the well-being of the people,” Hajiji said after launching two shoplot and commercial projects in Jalan Bubul, Semporna, on Tuesday (Sept 8).
Citing Semporna as an example, he said the district’s international reputation for its natural beauty and diving attractions should translate into greater economic benefits for the locals.
“Semporna has highly valuable natural assets. However, to ensure that this potential can be translated into greater economic benefits for the people, we need development that complements one another,” he said.
Hajiji said tourism growth must go hand in hand with the development of local businesses to create opportunities for entrepreneurs, generate jobs for Semporna’s youth and ensure local communities benefit from economic growth.
On the Jalan Bubul projects, he said the area’s strategic location along the main Balung-Semporna route gives it the potential to emerge as a new trading and business hub.
Hajiji also said this year marks the start of a new phase in Sabah’s development under the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan 2.0 (SMJ 2.0) for 2026 to 2030, building on efforts undertaken under SMJ 1.0.
He said SMJ 2.0 was formulated to strengthen Sabah’s competitiveness, productivity and economic value while ensuring development remains inclusive and sustainable.
The state government, he added, would continue to create a conducive environment for development by strengthening infrastructure, improving service delivery and attracting suitable investments, while working closely with the private sector and other stakeholders.
Hajiji stressed that Sabah’s development was not the responsibility of the government alone, but required cooperation from the private sector, implementing agencies, entrepreneurs and the people.
“We do not want Sabah to merely be a destination for investment. We want Sabahans to be part of that investment and growth,” he said.
