SEMPORNA: Comprehensive planning, including upgrades to existing facilities, is needed to transform Semporna into a premier tourism district while further expanding its blue economy potential.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the district is special as it is home to world-renowned destinations, particularly Sipadan Island, as well as other islands that continue to attract visitors.
He said Semporna also possesses strong fisheries and marine activity potential that can be further developed through the blue economy sector, which is expected to generate significant returns for the people and the State.
Hajiji said aspects such as cleanliness, island jetty upgrades and other public facilities would be looked at comprehensively to ensure Semporna develops into a leading tourism district, adding that the blue economy initiative under the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 blueprint is expected to strengthen State revenue and benefit local communities over the next five years.
He said his visits to the islands around Semporna, as well as Sandakan and Lahad Datu, were aimed at assessing security conditions along Sabah’s east coast, including inspecting security control posts, while he also visited Ligitan Island for the groundbreaking ceremony of a new security post after receiving a briefing from Sabah Parks on developments at Sipadan Island.
