Lahad datu: The empowerment of rural regions, including in Sabah, through the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) proves that the government is not sidelining these areas from the national development agenda, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, highlighted efforts to position Sabah as a Blue Economy hub to attract investment in new strategic industries.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid emphasized the importance of enhancing flood mitigation measures for the safety and wellbeing of the people during the ‘Sentuhan Kasih Desa MADANI @ Lahad Datu’ programme in Kampung Sapagaya. The government also plans to transform Sabah into a food production hub, thereby reinforcing rural areas as essential to national food security.
When tabling the 13MP for the 2026-2030 period under the theme “Redesigning Development,” Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced initiatives like the Sarawak Hydrogen Hub and Sabah Energy Supply Assurance to bolster energy infrastructure in both states. The 13MP also prioritizes the construction of the Sabah-Sarawak-Kalimantan road network, in alignment with the relocation of Indonesia’s capital to Nusantara in East Kalimantan.
Further emphasis is placed on strategies for poverty eradication, digital transformation, and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The government remains committed to enhancing the retail network of ‘Pasar Tamu’ markets in Sabah and Sarawak, developing integrated fisheries hubs, coastal and maritime tourism, and advancing blue biotechnology, including upgrading bunkering facilities at Sabah ports.
Ahmad Zahid pointed out that the 13MP is a reflection of the MADANI Government’s determination to improve basic infrastructure, boost entrepreneurship, and enhance disaster preparedness in rural regions. During the programme, he also presented support equipment aid under the Rural Entrepreneurship Empowerment Support Scheme (SPKLB) and inaugurated a new KEMAS kindergarten building and skills training classroom.