KOTA KINABALU: Oct 14, 2026 – Sabah’s economy recorded 5.1 per cent growth last year, its best performance in six years, with gross domestic product (GDP) reaching RM88.8 billion, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.
The growth was supported by the services sector, which grew 4.5 per cent; manufacturing, five per cent; and construction, 28.3 per cent.
“Sabah has strong growth momentum. Our task now is to translate this momentum into more competitive local businesses, high-value industries, better job opportunities and more opportunities for communities across the state,” he said.
Hajiji said this at the launch ceremony of the Kembara Borneo 2026 Sabah Edition programme organised by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) at Magellan Sutera Harbour Resort here today. His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister II/Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun.
He said the focus of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 roadmap for 2026 to 2030 is on enhancing competitiveness, productivity and higher value creation. The highest development allocation ceiling in Sabah’s history, amounting to RM12.02 billion under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), covering 933 new projects and 240 continuation projects, will continue to strengthen Sabah’s competitiveness and appeal to investors.
“Our aspiration is not just to attract businesses to invest in Sabah. We also want to help Sabah-based companies grow into national, regional and global leaders,” he said.
This means nurturing creativity, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, especially among young people.
Hajiji stressed that Sabah has great potential in agriculture, the Blue Economy and downstream industries, supported by natural resources, biodiversity and its strategic location.
He said the Blue Economy offers major opportunities in modern fisheries, marine biotechnology and nature-based tourism. Under SMJ 2.0, the sector has the potential to generate additional revenue of up to RM3.25 billion a year.
He said the agricultural sector needs to shift from primary production to modern, high-quality farming practices, supported by wider use of agricultural technology to raise productivity and strengthen food security.
Sabah’s strategic location in the centre of Borneo, close to Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and the Philippines, makes the state a natural gateway for trade, investment and tourism across BIMP-EAGA and ASEAN.
He said the State Government welcomes the SC’s efforts to expand financing options for businesses in Sabah through equity crowdfunding, peer-to-peer (P2P) financing, co-investment, private capital and the stock market.
“We very much welcome initiatives that connect agribusinesses with financing platforms, venture capital and private equity investors,” he said.
Hajiji also expressed appreciation for the Food Security Scheme under the Malaysia Co-Investment Fund (MyCIF). Through a RM1 co-investment for every RM2 raised from private investors, the scheme supports businesses in the agriculture, agricultural technology and bioeconomy sectors.
“Start preparing now to obtain capital. Ensure financial records are properly maintained and strengthen governance and business management,” he said.
“Sabah has resources, a strategic location, entrepreneurs and big aspirations. Now, we need to strengthen local businesses’ links with capital, capabilities and strategic partnerships to continue growing,” he said.
- TV Sabah
