Hajiji: Blue Economy to drive Sabah’s growth under SMJ 2.0

KOTA KINABALU (April 9): The Blue Economy is set to emerge as a key strategic driver under Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 (SMJ 2.0), aimed at transforming the state’s economic structure towards high-value, inclusive and sustainable growth.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said the approach leverages Sabah’s maritime strengths and rich biodiversity, encompassing strategic sectors such as modern fisheries, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, maritime logistics and nature-based tourism.

“This approach aligns with the core pillars of empowering the people’s economy, ensuring regional balance, driving innovation and safeguarding environmental sustainability, which underpin SMJ 2.0,” he said when officiating the Teraju Aspirasi Outreach Sabah 2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre on Thursday.

Hajiji said the initiative is projected to generate up to RM3.25 billion annually from marine resources through the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, creating new avenues of growth for the state economy.

He noted that the sector has continued to record encouraging performance, contributing RM9.18 billion to the national gross domestic product (GDP) as of the third quarter of 2025, with marine output exceeding 1.91 million metric tonnes valued at approximately RM6.05 billion.

On Sabah’s broader development progress, he said the implementation of Sabah Maju Jaya 1.0 (2021–2025) had laid a solid foundation for economic recovery and improved public wellbeing despite global uncertainties.

“During this period, Sabah made history when state revenue nearly reached RM7 billion for the first time, recording RM6.96 billion in 2022, RM6.97 billion in 2023 and remaining resilient at RM6.76 billion in 2025,” he said.

The state’s GDP also grew to RM84.3 billion in 2024, compared with RM77.8 billion in 2020, placing Sabah as the seventh-largest contributor to the national economy. GDP is projected to expand by around 1.5 per cent in 2025, reflecting steady economic momentum.

Hajiji said the achievements of SMJ 1.0 provide confidence that Sabah is on the right trajectory, paving the way for SMJ 2.0, which calls for a comprehensive shift in mindset, work culture and value creation for the people.

The roadmap, he added, is aligned with the 13th Malaysia Plan to ensure sustained development through to 2030.

Meanwhile, Hajiji said the outreach programme underscores the vital role of Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (Teraju) as a facilitator in advancing Bumiputera economic development in Sabah.

He said the initiative not only provides access to financing and capacity-building but also opens up wider networking opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

“The platform serves as a bridge connecting government policies with grassroots implementation, ensuring that development benefits are delivered more inclusively,” he said.

Hajiji also urged Bumiputera entrepreneurs in the state to fully seize available opportunities, including venturing into emerging sectors such as the Blue Economy, which holds vast potential if strategically explored.

The Teraju Aspirasi Outreach Sabah 2026 was also attended by Deputy Minister of Economy Datuk Indera Mohd Shahar Abdullah, Sabah Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Jafry Ariffin and Teraju chief executive officer Junady Nawawi.