Kota Kinabalu: Sabah recorded a 5.1 per cent economic expansion last year to reach a gross domestic product (GDP) of RM88.8 billion, marking its strongest performance in six years, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister cum Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun at the Securities Commission Malaysia's (SC) Kembara Borneo 2026, Sabah Edition, held here on Wednesday.
Hajiji said the growth was led by the construction sector, which surged by 28.3 per cent, alongside manufacturing at five per cent and services at 4.5 per cent.
He added that the state’s RM12.02 billion development ceiling under the 13th Malaysia Plan—covering 933 new projects and 240 extension projects—alongside the upcoming Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 roadmap (2026–2030), will focus on improving productivity, competitiveness, and high-value industries.
To sustain this momentum, Hajiji urged local entrepreneurs to strengthen their corporate governance, financial records, and business planning to attract investment across key sectors, including agriculture, downstream manufacturing, and the Blue Economy.
