SANDAKAN: The Jom Malaysia 2026 Festival can help propel Sabah products into the global market in line with the State's "local to global" aspiration under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 development agenda, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
In a speech delivered by Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick at the festival's opening on Saturday, Hajiji said the initiative complements the State Government's efforts to empower local entrepreneurs, add value to products and expand market access.
He said Sabah's participation in 18 international trade expos last year generated RM95.9 million in potential sales, up 37.12 per cent from RM60.4 million in 2024, demonstrating the competitiveness of the State's products in global markets.
Hajiji said the State Government is supporting entrepreneurs through initiatives such as the RM15 million SME-UP programme and the Sabah Ready-to-Eat programme to strengthen product commercialisation and marketability.
He also proposed that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and the State Government consider organising Jom Malaysia at more strategic locations in Sabah during Visit Sabah Year 2027 to further promote local products to domestic and international visitors.
