Kota Kinabalu: THE State Government has formulated Sabah Development Strategic Roadmap under the imminent 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to drive the State’s economic and development growth.
CM Datuk Seri Hajiji said the 13MP, which would run from 2026 to 2030, has been designed with consideration for existing policies, development plans and blueprints, as well as key initiatives currently being explored, including the Blue Economy initiative.
He added that the State’s development agenda under the 13MP is also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure inclusive and sustainable progress in line with national and global commitments.
To strengthen the Blue Economy initiative, he said the State Cabinet, at its meeting last week, approved the establishment of the Blue Economy Industrial Park (BEIP) in Kudat.
“This demonstrates the State Government’s serious commitment to developing the Blue Economy sector as a new economic resource that can benefit the people, particularly in creating employment opportunities for the local population.
“The BEIP is expected to transform the northern region of Sabah, particularly Kudat, into the new industrial township, attracting both local and international investors to explore the vast potential of the Blue Economy, including fisheries, marine tourism, pharmaceuticals, mariculture and renewable energy,” he said.
The State’s development under the 13MP would be implemented holistically, covering economic, social and environmental aspects. The primary focus would be on strengthening economic resilience through three key economic sectors: industry, agriculture and tourism in line with the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan while also enhancing infrastructure and utilities to support these economic sectors.
He noted that inclusive development, covering regional and socioeconomic balance, will be implemented to ensure overall and equitable prosperity for all segments of society.
Additionally, he said efforts to enhance natural resource sustainability and environmental conservation will also be prioritised to support balanced and sustainable development.
With a development strategic roadmap and the effective and systematic implementation of development programmes, Sabah’s economic growth is expected to expand at an average annual growth rate of between 3.0 per cent and 4.5pc during the 13MP.
“This strategy and development plan can certainly be achieved if we work hard as a team, supported by political stability and strong unity among the people. Insya-Allah, we will succeed.”
Hajiji said that, overall, the performance of ministries, departments and agencies has been satisfactory, but there is still room for improvement.
He believes that if civil servants devote their full attention and give their best efforts—from top leadership to the lowest-ranking positions—the organisation will grow stronger and excel.
“Let us embrace this positive mindset as we step into the New Year, to give our best for the organisation and the Government,” he said.
On enhancement of Sabah’s civil service, Hajiji said over 4,000 civil servants have undergone training both domestically and internationally, aimed at enhancing their competency, creativity and competitiveness in meeting today’s increasingly complex and dynamic work demands.
By combining local and global training, he said the quality of civil servants will become more dynamic, adaptive and forward-thinking in fulfilling their responsibilities.
In 2024, a total of 1,960 civil servants from various service schemes were promoted, he added.
“The career advancements involving officers from various service schemes in the State civil service ensure that both strategic and non-strategic positions are filled by qualified and highly skilled individuals, thereby improving the public service delivery system,” he said.
