By: Nurul Fazliana Norman
KOTA KINABALU: Sept 6, 2026 – The State Government has allocated RM8.24 million to the Sabah Women’s Affairs Department (JHEWA) this year to implement various women’s empowerment programmes, particularly in the areas of economics, skills development and employment opportunities.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said among the initiatives being carried out is JHEWA Bizbloom, which focuses on women’s economic development, especially for single mothers and the B40 group.
He said the programmes must produce measurable outcomes, including improved skills, increased income and greater capacity for women entrepreneurs to expand their businesses.
“Therefore, we want more women entrepreneurs to leverage technology, digital platforms, modern marketing, market networks and access to financing.
“Our aspiration is clear – that products produced by Sabah’s women entrepreneurs will not only be strong in the local market but also capable of penetrating wider markets,” he said during the Sabah State-level Women’s Day Celebration 2026 here on Friday.
Hajiji said women’s development is also a key component of the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 Roadmap for the period 2026 to 2030.
“In this new phase of state development, we want women to also shape the direction of development itself through their ideas, expertise, experience, leadership and courage to drive change,” he added.
He said economic strength is among the key foundations of women’s empowerment, particularly in facing the challenges of the rising cost of living.
The Chief Minister noted that the government’s approach must shift from merely providing assistance to building capacity and fostering self-reliance among women.
“The State Government’s approach must move from aid alone to capacity-building financing, from capacity-building to self-reliance, and from self-reliance to wealth creation and job opportunities,” he said.
At the same event, Hajiji presented three awards to women achievers in the fields of entrepreneurship, social services and corporate leadership.
The Special Serikandi Usahawan Award was received by Datin Saadiah Abdul Rashad, the Serikandi Khidmat Sosial Award by Datin Zaleha Mohammad Kassim, while the Serikandi Wanita Korporat Award was presented to Datin Susan Wong Siew Guen.
Also present were the Chief Minister’s wife, Datin Seri Panglima Juliah Salag; Women, Health and Community Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majunki; State Secretary Datuk Zainuddin Aman; Women, Health and Community Wellbeing Assistant Minister Datuk Rina Zainal; and Sabah Federal Secretary Datuk Mohd Razali Wahab.
Source: JAPEN
