Kota Kinabalu: The manufacturing sector continues to play a key role in driving Sabah’s economic growth, as in line with increasing inflow of investments into Sabah.
Musa said ongoing investments in the sector not only pose a positive impact on industrial development but also spur technology integration, strengthen infrastructure and create more job opportunities for the local workforce.
“As part of efforts to enhance the State’s economic competitiveness, the State Government should focus on developing more downstream activities in key industries such as biomass, palm oil, Industrial Tree Plantations (IPT), as well as oil and gas.
“To encourage developments of these sectors, Sabah has the potential to attract further investments and contribute to more sustainable economic growth for the State,” he said.
According to the latest statistics, Musa said Sabah recorded a total investment value of RM6.5 billion in 2024, with the manufacturing sector accounting for 38.7 per cent of the total.
He said this clearly indicates that the State Government’s initiatives and development strategies are on the right track in drawing investor interest.
“Continuous commitment of the State Government to foster investment growth can be seen through its development planning of three new industrial parks in Kudat, Kota Belud and Beaufort.
“These parks are projected to generate more job and investment opportunities for locals over the next five to 10 years.
“This achievement has earned praise from various quarters, with state leaders viewing it as a testament to the success of sustained efforts in positioning Sabah as a premier investment destination in the region,” Musa said.
In a related development, he said they are now approaching the final phase of the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP) and the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan 1.0: 2021–2025 (SMJ Development Plan).
He said both of these key development frameworks were designed with a wide range of initiatives and programs aimed at driving economic growth and enhancing the well-being of the people in a holistic and inclusive manner.
To realise these goals, Musa urged all quarters to continue working together to ensure that each initiative outlined in the 12MP and the SMJ Development Plan is successfully implemented.