Kota Kinabalu: Sabah recorded total investments of RM6.5 billion with 38.7 percent contributed by the manufacturing sector last year, said Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman. He noted that the figures indicate that the Sabah government’s efforts to develop the manufacturing sector were on the right track and had succeeded in attracting more investors to the state.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Musa highlighted the manufacturing sector’s significant role in stimulating the state’s economy, including opportunities for technology integration, strengthening infrastructure, and creating job opportunities. He emphasized the focus on developing more downstream activities in key industries such as biomass, oil palm, industrial tree plantations, and oil and gas. By encouraging expansion in these sectors, Sabah aims to attract more investments and stimulate sustainable economic growth.
During his state government policy speech at the opening ceremony of the Fifth Term of the 16th Sabah State Legislative Assembly, Musa mentioned that Sabah managed to maintain state revenue collection above the RM6 billion level, reaching RM6.842 billion last year. Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Sabah State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M. Yahya.
Musa stated that the Sabah government has imposed state sales tax on three new products: silica sand, palm oil biomass exported from Sabah, and gold and silver mined in the state. This effort aims to diversify revenue sources and reduce dependence on oil and gas-related resources.
Musa also addressed the strategic direction for Sabah’s development over the next five years through the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), with a focus on priority areas vital to the state’s development. He urged all ministries, departments, and state agencies to plan development in line with this direction to prioritize Sabah’s real needs.
The Sabah government will focus on implementing development-oriented programs and projects to ensure the smooth implementation of the state’s strategic development direction through the 13MP. This commitment aligns with efforts to improve financial management and boost development expenditure compared to operating expenditure.
Musa expressed confidence that, with full cooperation from all parties, the preparation of the 13MP will proceed smoothly and orderly, considering various perspectives and needs. This approach aims to lay a solid foundation for Sabah’s sustainable and inclusive development.