By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The blue economy is set to become a strategic driver of Sabah’s economic transformation and is projected to generate up to RM3.25 billion annually from marine resources, particularly in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the approach leverages Sabah’s maritime strengths and rich biodiversity under Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0, covering modern fisheries, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, maritime logistics and nature-based tourism.
“This approach aligns with the core thrusts of empowering the people’s economy, regional balance, innovation and environmental sustainability,” he said when officiating the Teraju Aspirations Outreach Sabah 2026 Programme at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
He added that the sector continues to perform strongly, contributing RM9.18 billion to the national gross domestic product (GDP) in the third quarter of 2025, with output exceeding 1.91 million metric tonnes worth about RM6.05 billion.
He said state revenue collection has hit a record high of nearly RM7 billion, following RM6.76 billion in 2025, RM6.97 billion in 2023 and RM6.96 billion in 2022.
He said the performance was supported by growth in the state’s GDP, which rose to RM84.3 billion in 2024 from RM77.8 billion in 2020, making Sabah the seventh-largest contributor to the national economy.
He added that GDP growth for 2025 is projected at about 1.5 per cent, reflecting stable economic momentum.
“This direction is aligned with the implementation of the 13th Malaysia Plan to ensure continued development in the state until 2030,” he said.
Hajiji said the outreach programme underscores the role of the Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (Teraju) in strengthening Bumiputera economic development in Sabah.
“It not only provides access to financing and capacity building but also opens up wider business networking opportunities for local entrepreneurs,” he said.
Hajiji (centre), launches the Teraju Aspirations Outreach Sabah 2026 Programme as other guests look on.
