Sabah’s 13MP allocates RM12.02 billion for 1,173 projects, focusing on economic resilience, rural development, and sustainable growth under the SMJ2.0 plan.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has charted a bold development course with a RM12.02 billion allocation under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
Governor Tun Musa Aman announced the plan, which identifies 10 priority areas aligned with the state’s needs and potential.
A total of 1,173 development projects have been planned, comprising 933 new initiatives and the remainder as extension projects. The approved allocation marks a 141.62% increase compared to the ceiling under the 12MP.
“This significant rise reflects the state government’s strong commitment to accelerating development,” said Tun Musa when delivering the state government policy speech. He highlighted Sabah’s solid economic resilience over the past five years despite global challenges.
As evidence, he noted Sabah recorded RM7.6 billion in manufacturing investments last year. This represents an increase of nearly 208% compared to 2024.
The state’s growth will be guided by the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 Development Plan 2026–2030. This overarching framework is built on three key thrusts: economic growth sectors, human capital and people’s well-being, and infrastructure and green sustainability.
A strategic focus on the blue economy, digitalisation and artificial intelligence adoption further strengthens the plan. The government is determined to ensure inclusive development by reducing poverty and narrowing the urban-rural gap.
Efforts to upgrade basic infrastructure in rural areas will continue to be intensified. This aims to improve living standards and unlock local economic opportunities.
Poverty eradication initiatives under SMJ2.0 will be reinforced through five key pillars. These are housing, education, employment, welfare, as well as entrepreneurship and training.
Medium- and long-term interventions will be implemented in an integrated manner. The goal is to ensure sustainable income growth among household heads in the extreme poor category.
To further strengthen the rural economy, the state government plans to develop four new townships. These will be in Penangah (Tongod), Melalap (Tenom), Ulu Dusun (Sandakan) and Beluran.
“Priority is also being given to physical and land-use planning through the review of the Sabah State Structure Plan, and district plans to ensure balanced and well-coordinated development,” Tun Musa added.
