{
  "id": 14382090,
  "title": "Sabah economy grew 5.1pct to RM88.8bil last year",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/sabah-economy-grew-5-1pct-to-rm88-8bil-last-year",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-14T05:31:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/10/1555182/sabah-economy-grew-51pct-rm888bil-last-year"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's economy experienced its strongest growth in six years in the previous year, with GDP reaching RM88.8 billion, marking a 5.1% increase. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor attributed this growth to a robust services sector, which expanded by 4.5%, manufacturing at 5%, and construction at 28.3%. Speaking at the Sabah Edition of Kembara Borneo 2026, Hajiji emphasized the potential for turning this momentum into stronger local businesses, higher-value industries, better job opportunities, and community development throughout the state. Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun delivered Hajiji's speech. The Chief Minister highlighted that the state's record development allocation of RM12.02 billion under the 13th Malaysia Plan, which includes 933 new projects and 240 extension projects, would further enhance Sabah's competitiveness and attract investors. He stated that the goal is not only to bring businesses to Sabah but also to help local companies grow into national, regional, and global champions, which involves fostering creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurship, particularly among the younger population. He added that Sabah possesses significant economic potential in agriculture, the blue economy, and downstream industries, backed by its natural resources, biodiversity, and strategic location.",
  "summary": "KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s economy recorded its strongest performance in six years last year, growing by 5.1 per cent with gross domestic product (GDP) reaching RM88.8 billion.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}