Sabah: Sabah is projected to record stronger economic growth at an annual rate of 5.8 per cent under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) for the 2026-2030 period, said Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib. She stated that the state can achieve this by capitalising on its strengths in agro-commodities, agriculture, fisheries, and eco-tourism.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hanifah Hajar emphasized that under the 13MP, there will be a focus on value creation through downstream products, technological innovation, the blue economy, and digitalisation. Special attention will be directed towards Tawau, Lahad Datu, Semporna, and Kalabakan, which represent nearly 900,000 people and form a strategic border with Indonesia.

Hanifah Hajar highlighted that Tawau could be developed as a hub for trade and services on Sabah's east coast. The Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) in Lahad Datu will be bolstered to become a regional agro-commodity and logistics center. In Semporna, efforts will aim to enhance marine tourism and coral reef conservation, while Kalabakan will be developed as a logistics and border trade hub with Indonesia's Nusantara, especially for food crop products.

She further mentioned that Sabah has the potential to become a key driver of Malaysia's economy, aligning with the Sabah Maju Jaya vision and the MADANI Economy framework. Sabah's allocation under the 13MP should be larger than other states due to its urgent development needs. Infrastructure in other states is more complete compared to Sabah, so the government will focus on prioritizing basic facilities such as roads, utilities, and internet connectivity to improve living standards.

Hanifah Hajar concluded by stating that the day's programme was intended not only to explain the 13MP to the people but also to gather feedback on their needs and priorities.