DEPUTY Chief Minister II cum Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said Sabah, under the GRS State Government are poised to move away from the conventional exploitative extractive economy into the digital circular economy, given Sabah’s vast agriculture forest and nature capital endowments as well as its strategic geographical advantage and potentials.
He said Sabah must capitalise on these competitive advantages, adding what the State need now are stronger, braver and more innovative leadership and good governance; good and efficient infrastructure including ports and harbours with a well-connected multi-modal transportation network of roads, railways and public transport systems; internet connectivity with up-to-date 5G services and international gateways; a global trading platform; economic and professional manpower resources and connectivity with right educational and training policies and platforms to empower our people particularly our youths and women; access to global financial capital and investors; good multilevel strategic plans; and nature conservation.
“We are going to put together a good team of professionals and good economic development strategies for Sabah. I expect that if we succeeded in doing this, we would be able to double Sabah’s GDP per capita from USD6,000 to USD12,000 within the next two years.
“Such strategies must include highly impactful development activities at all levels of society. Poverty and corruption must be eliminated through digitalising the economy, blockchain and by activating ‘lazy assets’,” he said in his New Year message last week.
Kitingan also visited areas affected by the floods in Kota Marudu where he distributed flood relief such as food and water to villagers, as well as agriculture input assistance which include fertilisers, pesticides, sprayers and chillers during his get-together with the affected farmers in Pitas.
He said the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) estimates RM301 million is needed to address or mitigate the effects of flooding in Kota Marudu and Pitas districts.
The fund would be used to improve engineering works in the four main rivers in the districts, namely Sg Bandau, Sg Bongon, Sg Tandek and Sg Rasak.
“The works include constructing bunds along rivers, dredging, broadening of rivers, upgrading drainage systems and installing flood control gates. However, as a short-term solution, the department will conduct ad-hoc projects to clear clogged drains so that water can flow more efficiently into the rivers since clogged drains is one of the main causes of floods,” he said.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
