By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has taken another significant step forward in its sustainable development agenda with the official establishment of the Sabah Blue Economy Council (SBEC).
It will serve as a platform to coordinate and implement the state’s strategic blue economy policies.
The formation of SBEC was approved at the Sabah State Cabinet Meeting Series 10/2025, and its inaugural meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, was held at Menara Kinabalu.
In his message during the meeting, Hajiji said SBEC was established as a strategic initiative by the State Government to ensure that Sabah’s blue economy sector is developed in an organised, integrated, and high-impact manner, in line with the aspirations of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development roadmap.
“Through SBEC, we will coordinate key policies, approve high-impact programmes, and monitor the implementation of the Blue Economy Policy and Strategy Framework.
“It is an integrated approach that can stimulate sustainable, inclusive, and competitive economic growth,” he said.
He added that SBEC would also drive technology transfer and innovation within the maritime sector, in line with the needs of a modern economy that emphasises sustainability and advanced technological application.
He said the establishment of SBEC is a crucial step in strengthening collaboration among government agencies, academia, industry, and communities in the effort to position Sabah as a leading blue economy hub in Southeast Asia.
“It reflects the State Government’s continued commitment to fully harness the potential of Sabah’s marine resources, expand investments, and ensure the wellbeing of the people through sustainable and resilient development,” he added.
Hajiji said this initiative places Sabah on a stronger footing to build a prosperous future based on marine wealth and maritime economic strength.
During the council’s first meeting, Hajiji also presented appointment letters to eight SBEC members comprising the state’s top leadership.
They include the Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry; the Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Public Works; the Minister of Finance; the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment; and the Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, along with the State Secretary, State Attorney-General, and Director of the Sabah State Economic Planning Unit.
Additionally, seven Technical Committee Chairpersons received appointment letters to lead various SBEC technical components, including living resource harvesting, marine business, ocean health, new resource generation, marine planning, intellectual property, and river management.
These appointments involve senior officers from key state ministries and technical agencies such as the Department of Lands and Surveys, Sabah Biodiversity Centre, and the Department of Minerals and Geoscience.
They will lead the technical and administrative implementation of policies, ensuring all initiatives are executed comprehensively and smoothly.
The Sabah Maju Jaya Secretariat (SSMJ) has been appointed as SBEC Secretariat to effectively and strategically coordinate the implementation of the council’s decisions.
