By WU VUIDE
KUDAT: Kudat has the potential to become a regional Blue Economy hub due to its strategic location and abundant marine resources, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The Sabah Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) has proposed developing a Blue Economy Industrial Park (BEIP) under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
SEDCO is preparing a masterplan for a 1,205-acre site in Kampung Limau-Limauan and Perapat Laut. Another 3,129 acres in Matunggung, Banggi and Tanjong Kapor have been identified as reserve areas for future development.
“Based on maritime development and green technology concepts, the project will focus on the seafood industry, trade logistics and marine-based economic activities, including a proposed port to serve as a regional trading zone.
“Kudat’s strategic location provides an advantage in expanding trade links with markets in China, South Korea, Japan and the Philippines,” he said when officiating the Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat Programme, Jom Malaysia Carnival, Jualan Rahmah Madani and Mobile Community Services (MCS) for the Tanjong Kapor constituency at Dataran Tomborungus yesterday.
Hajiji said efforts were also being made to strengthen the deep-sea fishing industry and upgrade offshore fishing platforms to help local communities benefit from new economic opportunities.
He said the development would require policy support, funding and infrastructure through cooperation between the State and Federal Governments, with environmental sustainability and marine conservation remaining key priorities.
Hajiji said Kudat was blessed with natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage and a creative community, as reflected in its handicraft, agricultural produce, fisheries and tourism activities.
“Building on these strengths, we want the people of Kudat to have greater access to government services, entrepreneurial support and marketing opportunities to improve their well-being and income,” he said.
On a related matter, Hajiji welcomed the 2027 National Budget, tabled by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Oct 9, which allocated RM18.7 billion to Sabah, up from RM17.6 billion this year.
He said the increased allocation would support efforts to improve basic infrastructure and public services and strengthen the State’s economy.
He said the RM3.3 billion allocation for road development in Sabah and Sarawak, along with RM350 million for Federal road maintenance, would help address longstanding infrastructure problems, particularly involving roads, water and electricity supply.
Hajiji said the State Government was reviewing the people’s needs, Sabah’s financial capacity and the continuation of development under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 roadmap for 2026 to 2030.
He said Sabah’s revenue remained strong, with collections of RM6.96 billion in 2022, RM6.97 billion in 2023, RM6.87 billion in 2024 and RM6.76 billion in 2025, compared with about RM4 billion in 2019.
“Therefore, we will continue to improve revenue collection, diversify revenue sources and manage expenditure prudently to ensure the State’s financial position remains strong.
“I am optimistic that Sabah’s revenue for 2026 can surpass the RM7 billion mark,” he said.
Hajiji handing over the keys to a Rumah Mesra SMJ recipient as other guests look on.
