KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor announces that the Sabah Government, committed to rejuvenating Sabah’s economy, predicts a robust economic recovery across all sectors with a projected growth of 4 to 5 percent for 2022 and 2023.
He said efforts are underway to expedite high-impact development programmes and attract more significant investments to Sabah.
“Despite an uncertain global and national economic climate, Sabah’s economy is steadily recovering, with a growth of 1.1 percent in 2021 compared to a 9.2 percent contraction the previous year.
“This achievement is bolstered by the state’s robust trade performance, which can be attributed to a surge in Sabah’s export activities,” he said at the Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) Meeting with the Ministry of Economy and the State Government of Sabah at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister III/Public Works Minister Datuk Ir. Shahelmy Yahya. Also present were key figures such as Minister of Economy, Mr. Mohd Rafizi Ramli, state administration members, civil society organisation (CSO) representatives, academics, and student representatives from higher education institutions.
Hajiji explained that the current developmental agenda, which aligns with the Strategic Direction of State Development under the 12MP, aims for a “Prosperous, Inclusive, Sustainable Malaysia.”
Emphasis is placed on inclusive development, enhancing people’s well-being, balancing regional development, empowering human capital, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
“We appreciate the Federal Government for approving RM 14.976 billion under Rolling Plans 1 (RP1) to 3 (RP3) of the 12MP. This allocation will finance 3,436 development projects across various ministries,” he noted.
“The execution of these projects will not only catalyse the state’s development and economic growth but also enhance the prosperity and well-being of the people,” he added.
Hajiji affirmed the Sabah government’s commitment to tackle any implementation issues related to development projects, emphasising that timely execution and achievement of set outcomes are paramount to yield the expected benefits.
The Chief Minister noted that measures are in place to overcome obstacles in the execution of these projects, such as enhanced monitoring by the State Government in collaboration with the Sabah State Development Office (SDO).
Hajiji recommended that development allocations from the Federal Government should be channelled into a state-monitored trust account to prevent fund lapses due to unavoidable implementation issues.
The Chief Minister welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to delegate power to manage development projects worth RM50 million and below to the state government, recognising Sabah’s Public Works Department and the Irrigation and Drainage Department as Technical Departments under Treasury Directive (AP 182).
“I am confident that this decision will expedite development in Sabah, particularly to meet needs for basic facilities and infrastructure, thereby improving the quality of life,” he stated.
Hajiji urged all parties to utilise the given mandate to ensure that development programmes are implemented effectively for the economic prosperity and welfare of the people.
“With meticulous planning, implementation, and monitoring, we can elevate the state’s development, bringing abundant economic benefits to all,” he said.
Hajiji pledged that the State Government would continue to cooperate with the Federal Government in implementing the 12MP and hopes that this collaboration will strengthen the shared vision of development and economic prosperity for all.
