SANDAKAN: The Gerakan Nasional Jom Beli Produk Malaysia (Jom Malaysia) can help catapult Sabah-made products and brands onto the international stage, in line with the local to global aspiration under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 roadmap.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the movement’s aspirations were closely aligned with the State’s economic development agenda, which emphasises sustainable, inclusive and competitive growth through empowering local entrepreneurs and expanding market access.
“The SMJ 2.0 and Jom Malaysia share the same goal of empowering local entrepreneurs, increasing the value of products and services and widening market access to create more economic opportunities for the people.
“This synergy will build a complete development chain, starting from entrepreneur empowerment and product development through to market expansion, in line with the local to global aspiration,” he said when officiating the Jom Malaysia Festival 2026 at the Sandakan Sports Complex, Saturday.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister III cum Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick.
The event saw the introduction of the Jom Malaysia mascot named Jommy, along with the presentation of Rahmah cash contributions and Rahmah baskets to 200 recipients.
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The three-day programme also features the sale of local products, sports activities and other events.
Hajiji said Sabah’s selection as one of the venues for the festival was recognition of the State’s economic strength and the Federal Government’s confidence in its potential as a growth driver for East Malaysia.
He said Sabah is rich in cultural diversity, heritage and natural resources, and is also home to a growing community of entrepreneurs producing locally identifiable goods with high commercial value, including food, handicrafts, fashion and creative products from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
He said with an estimated population of 3.8 million last year and a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of RM88.8 billion recording growth of 5.1 per cent, Sabah has emerged as one of the largest and most dynamic consumer markets in East Malaysia.
On the potential of Sabah products in international markets, Hajiji said the achievements recorded by local entrepreneurs last year proved the State’s products could compete globally.
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