Kota kinabalu: The Sabah government has announced plans to develop Pulau Banggi, focusing on tourism and economic growth. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor emphasized the state’s intention to enhance relations with neighboring countries through barter trade within the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMB-EAGA).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Chief Minister highlighted the potential benefits of barter trade with neighboring regions, which could significantly boost economic activities on the island. Describing Pulau Banggi as a unique location, Hajiji shared this vision during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Pulau Banggi Water Supply Extension Scheme, a project valued at nearly RM62 million.

In his statement, Hajiji mentioned the state government’s consideration of Banggi assemblyman Datuk Mohammad Mohamarin’s request to elevate Banggi’s status from a sub-district to a full district. During the ceremony, he also announced the approval of a new hall construction on the island with a budget of RM6 million, alongside a Bonggi community cultural hall costing RM1 million.

The Chief Minister further discussed the state government’s success in reviving Sabah’s economy, which had been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. He credited the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government for its effective governance. Hajiji noted that through industry, tourism, and agriculture, the GRS administration restored economic activities, achieving revenues close to RM7 billion, a significant increase from RM4 billion in previous years.

Hajiji concluded by stating that the government has been dedicated to reviving the economy over the past five years, with strategic plans targeting the three primary sectors.