3 sektor utama diperuntuk hampir RM1 bilion tahun ini, kata Hajiji

Ketua Menteri Sabah, Hajiji Noor, has directed all district officers to identify economic potential in their respective areas for investment, employment, and increased household income. (Picture Bernama) In Keningau, the state government has allocated nearly RM1 billion for the development of the agricultural, industrial, and tourism sectors, which continue to be key drivers of the state's economic growth this year.

Noor wants every district officer to recognize the economic strengths in their respective areas, whether it be in agriculture, tourism, marine resources, or industry and trade. These potentials need to be identified and planned for development. The task is to ensure that these potentials are converted into investment opportunities, jobs, and increased household incomes.

Clearly, Noor sees the blue economy as a major potential area, especially in non-urban areas. Sabah has marine resources, biodiversity, and extensive coastal areas. These potentials need to be utilized gently to create new economic opportunities and boost household incomes. I hope district officers can help identify these potentials and facilitate appropriate investment according to each area's needs and strengths.

For this year, the state government has allocated RM12.02 billion for development under the 13th Malaysia Plan, the highest in Sabah's budget history. This allocation is for 241 infrastructure projects, while 932 are new projects. However, as more funds are provided, our responsibility to ensure their successful implementation also increases.

Therefore, Noor wants every district officer to pay serious attention to the implementation of projects and programs in their respective areas and to continuous monitoring. If there are any problems, they must be identified earlier, and if there are delays or setbacks, the appropriate actions need to be taken. Indeed, district officers and small areas also need to change the way they view development success, not just looking at the number of approved projects.