FIRDAUSI said investors look beyond physical infrastructure when deciding where to locate their projects.
While roads, ports and utilities remain important, they also assess government effectiveness, policy consistency, workforce capability and the overall investment climate.
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“Economic plan without implementation is just an illusion,” he said, adding that Sabah already possesses significant economic potential but must improve execution.
He said the State already has established development frameworks, including its energy strategies and the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda. The challenge now is ensuring these plans translate into tangible projects and measurable outcomes.
For the oil and gas sector, this means ensuring that energy resources generate wider economic opportunities instead of remaining isolated upstream activities.
Beyond attracting major investors, Firdausi emphasised the importance of ensuring local SMEs benefit from industrial expansion.
This view was echoed by fellow panellist Vincent Soh, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MoneySave, who said large industrial investments create opportunities for tier-two, tier-three and smaller suppliers.
As more energy-related industries are established in Sabah, local companies could participate through engineering services, maintenance, logistics, equipment supply and other supporting activities.
Firdausi said Sabah’s oil and gas sector should evolve into a broader industrial ecosystem that creates opportunities across the economy.
He believes the State already possesses the resources, strategic location and investment potential needed to accelerate growth. The priority now is stronger coordination, effective implementation and sound strategic decision-making.
With gas development, renewable energy initiatives and industrial expansion progressing together, Sabah’s east coast has the potential to evolve from a region once constrained by energy shortages into a major destination for new industries and investment.
“The key is ensuring that Sabah’s resource advantages are transformed into lasting economic value for the state and its people,” he said.
