THE State Government’s ability to revive Sabah’s economy after being severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and to record a significant increase in revenue proves that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government is functioning effectively.
Hajiji said his administration had worked hard over the past five years, carefully planning economic recovery through three main sectors - industry, tourism and agriculture.
He said with focus on the three sectors, GRS was confident of restoring the State’s economy, which has since recorded annual revenue of nearly RM7 billion compared with RM4 billion in previous years.
“Although we were hit by Covid-19 in our first year, we drew up and introduced our long-term direction to develop Sabah’s economy, planning carefully what would be best for the State.
“That was why we prioritised reviving the economy. During Covid-19 our economy was in a very bad state, but we recovered through the main sectors of industry, tourism and agriculture.
“We knew through these three sectors we could restore the economy and, praise be to God, we succeeded. Our revenue, which for years stood at only RM4 billion, has increased to nearly RM7 billion annually during my administration.
“This shows our Government is functioning well for the people,” he said when officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony for the RM62 million Banggi Island Water Supply Extension Scheme at Kobong Open Hall, Banggi Island, Saturday.
Hajiji dismissed opposition claims that the GRS Government had failed, stressing that failure lay with the previous administration which had no clear plan for the State.
“How can it be called failure when we revived the economy, increased revenue and introduced various initiatives for the people? The real failure was theirs (the opposition’s). I want to ask what they did for Banggi Island.
“For two and a half years they had no plans. I want the people of Banggi not to be misled by them again. "If they come (here) tell them (we) only support GRS,” he said.
He stressed that the Government had big plans for Banggi Island given its size and potential for development in various sectors.
“We want to develop Banggi Island because it is unique, with strong potential in tourism, the economy and other areas of development.
“We also plan to strengthen links with neighbouring countries through barter trade, and I have asked Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia (Special Envoy to BIMP-EAGA) and our Members of Parliament to pursue this.
“If we can establish barter trade with the nearby side across the waters, it will further stimulate our economic activities. Banggi Island has very high potential, it is a special island in Sabah,” he said.
In line with this, Hajiji said the Government was considering the request by Banggi Assemblyman Datuk Mohammad Mohamarin to upgrade Banggi’s status from a sub-district to a full district.
He also approved allocations to build a new hall on the island costing RM6 million and a Bonggi cultural hall worth RM1 million.
Hajiji said these efforts reflected the Government’s concern for the needs of the Banggi people, who still required significant attention.
“This is the Government’s concern. And as you all in Banggi know, since we took office many initiatives have been implemented, not only major projects but also those to help our people in need,” he said.
Hajiji said his administration had worked hard over the past five years, carefully planning economic recovery through three main sectors - industry, tourism and agriculture.
He said with focus on the three sectors, GRS was confident of restoring the State’s economy, which has since recorded annual revenue of nearly RM7 billion compared with RM4 billion in previous years.
“Although we were hit by Covid-19 in our first year, we drew up and introduced our long-term direction to develop Sabah’s economy, planning carefully what would be best for the State.
“That was why we prioritised reviving the economy. During Covid-19 our economy was in a very bad state, but we recovered through the main sectors of industry, tourism and agriculture.
“We knew through these three sectors we could restore the economy and, praise be to God, we succeeded. Our revenue, which for years stood at only RM4 billion, has increased to nearly RM7 billion annually during my administration.
“This shows our Government is functioning well for the people,” he said when officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony for the RM62 million Banggi Island Water Supply Extension Scheme at Kobong Open Hall, Banggi Island, Saturday.
Hajiji dismissed opposition claims that the GRS Government had failed, stressing that failure lay with the previous administration which had no clear plan for the State.
“How can it be called failure when we revived the economy, increased revenue and introduced various initiatives for the people? The real failure was theirs (the opposition’s). I want to ask what they did for Banggi Island.
“For two and a half years they had no plans. I want the people of Banggi not to be misled by them again. "If they come (here) tell them (we) only support GRS,” he said.
He stressed that the Government had big plans for Banggi Island given its size and potential for development in various sectors.
“We want to develop Banggi Island because it is unique, with strong potential in tourism, the economy and other areas of development.
“We also plan to strengthen links with neighbouring countries through barter trade, and I have asked Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia (Special Envoy to BIMP-EAGA) and our Members of Parliament to pursue this.
“If we can establish barter trade with the nearby side across the waters, it will further stimulate our economic activities. Banggi Island has very high potential, it is a special island in Sabah,” he said.
In line with this, Hajiji said the Government was considering the request by Banggi Assemblyman Datuk Mohammad Mohamarin to upgrade Banggi’s status from a sub-district to a full district.
He also approved allocations to build a new hall on the island costing RM6 million and a Bonggi cultural hall worth RM1 million.
Hajiji said these efforts reflected the Government’s concern for the needs of the Banggi people, who still required significant attention.
“This is the Government’s concern. And as you all in Banggi know, since we took office many initiatives have been implemented, not only major projects but also those to help our people in need,” he said.
