Blue Economy to Supercharge Sabah's Growth

9 April 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The Blue Economy will drive Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0, transforming the state's economy towards high value-added, inclusive, and sustainable growth by harnessing its maritime strengths and rich biodiversity.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said the strategy spans modern fisheries, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, maritime logistics, and nature-based tourism.

"This aligns with SMJ 2.0's core pillars of empowering the people's economy, regional balance, innovation, and environmental sustainability," he stated while officiating the TERAJU Aspirations Outreach Sabah 2026 Programme at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Thursday.

He projected that fisheries and aquaculture alone could generate RM3.25 billion annually from marine resources, unlocking fresh economic opportunities.

Nationally, the sector contributed RM9.18 billion to GDP by Q3 2025, with marine output surpassing 1.91 million metric tonnes valued at RM6.05 billion.

SMJ 1.0 (2021–2025) laid a solid foundation for recovery amid global challenges, boosting state revenue to a record near RM7 billionRM6.96 billion in 2022, RM6.97 billion in 2023, and RM6.76 billion in 2025.

Sabah's GDP rose to RM84.3 billion in 2024 from RM77.8 billion in 2020, making it the seventh-largest national contributor, with 2025 growth forecast at 1.5 per cent.

This success fuels confidence in SMJ 2.0, demanding mindset shifts, innovative work practices, and new value creation, in line with the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) through 2030.

The TERAJU programme underscores the Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit's role in bolstering Sabah's Bumiputera economy through financing, training, and networking.

"It bridges policies to grassroots implementation for broader benefits," Hajiji said, urging local entrepreneurs to seize Blue Economy prospects.

Also present during the event were Minister of Industry Entrepreneurship Development and Transport ( MINDET), Datuk Ewon Benedick, Minister of Tourism Culture and Environment Datuk Jafry Ariffin and Datuk Shehelmy Yahya Putatan Member of Parliament as well as Datuk Indera Mohd Shahar Abdulllah Deputy Minister of Economy and Junady Nawawi TERAJU Chief Executive Officer.