Kota kinabalu: The Sabah State Government is optimistic that the state's creative economy will be able to grow and become one of the main catalysts in efforts to improve the living standards of the youth through the exploration of business opportunities and new sources of income based on talent and creativity. Sabah Minister of Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said the sector also has great potential to change the landscape of youth's lives if their involvement in related industries such as music, film, food, and handicrafts continues to be strengthened.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nizam emphasized that his ministry's role is to further boost the talents of Sabah's youth, enabling them to generate their own income without being overly dependent on job opportunities in the government or private sectors. This approach can contribute to increasing the state's income. "It is the government's highest aspiration to improve the living standards of Sabah's youth through involvement in creative industries or businesses. I am confident and believe that if this industry can be developed, it can change the landscape of Sabah's youth as well as increase the state's income," he stated during the Sabah State Legislative Assembly sitting.
Nizam highlighted his ministry's implementation of several programs to empower Sabah's youth in the creative economy. These include skills training, entrepreneurship, grant giving, and organizing state sports events such as the Sabah Games (SAGA) to unearth sports talents. He cited Sabah martial arts athlete Emmabell Cassandra of Papar, who won the Byon Combat 7 Bantanweight category competition in Kuala Lumpur, as an example of success in efforts to polish talent through various trainings including the SAGA sports event.
In another development, the state Minister for Women, Health and People's Wellbeing, Datuk Julita Majungki, addressed the shortage of medical personnel in Sabah. She reported that the number of government doctors in Sabah is 3,431 while private doctors are 1,397, with a ratio of one doctor to 775 residents. "Based on calculations, the number of doctors needed is 9,354. This shows a shortage of 4,526 doctors compared to the current number," she said.
Julita also mentioned that the state government, through the Sabah State Health Department, has developed a strategic direction to upgrade the Duchess of Kent Hospital, Sandakan from a Major Specialist Hospital to a State Hospital, offering more than 49 specialist services.
Meanwhile, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin expressed confidence that the Visit Sabah Year 2027 campaign would stimulate economic activities, increase job opportunities, and strengthen the state's tourism ecosystem. He announced a comprehensive and integrated action plan, being developed with the Sabah Tourism Board, focusing on comprehensive, integrated, and sustainable tourism packages.
Jafry explained that the plan includes branding Sabah as a premium tourism destination based on nature and culture, strengthening tourism infrastructure and accessibility, and improving facilities and upgrading existing tourism products. "In addition, improving the quality of tourism products including eco-tourism and community-based tourism to ensure high-quality tourist experiences; intensifying the digitalisation of promotions and marketing through the use of digital platforms, social media, and creative promotional materials. The organisation of high-impact events throughout the year will also be strengthened through strategic collaboration with government agencies and local authorities to create a structured and highly attractive state tourism event calendar," he added.