Economic Turnaround Shows GRS Administration Is Delivering for Sabah

23 August 2025

PULAU BANGGI: The Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government's success in revitalising the state’s economy after the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflected in a significant rise in revenue, demonstrates its effective governance.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor stated that his administration has worked diligently over the past five years, carefully planning the state's economic recovery through three main sectors, industrialisation, tourism, and agriculture.

He said the GRS government was confident these sectors could restore Sabah’s economy, which has since seen state revenue rise to nearly RM7 billion annually, compared to RM4 billion in previous years.

“Although we were hit by COVID-19 during our first year in government, we planned and introduced our direction early on, developing Sabah’s economy with a long-term strategy, and identifying what would benefit the state most.

“That’s why we prioritised economic recovery. During the pandemic, the economy was in dire straits, but we focused on our key sectors, industry, tourism, and agriculture.

“We knew that through these three sectors, we could revive the economy and we succeeded. Economic activity picked up, and our annual revenue, which used to be RM4 billion for years, has now reached almost RM7 billion during my tenure.

“This proves that our government is functioning well and in the interest of the people,” he said during the groundbreaking ceremony for the RM62 million Pulau Banggi Water Supply Expansion Scheme at Dewan Terbuka Kobong, Pulau Banggi, on Saturday.

In response to opposition claims that the GRS government has failed, Hajiji firmly rejected such accusations, saying the real failure lies with the previous administration, which lacked a clear plan for the state.

“How can we be called a failure when we’ve revived the economy, increased revenue, and introduced a wide range of initiatives for the people? The ones who failed are the opposition. I want to ask them, what did they do for Pulau Banggi?

“They had two and a half years with no clear planning. I urge the people of Pulau Banggi not to be misled by them again. If they come and make promises, support GRS instead,” he said.

Hajiji reiterated the government’s commitment to developing Pulau Banggi, recognising its unique position as one of Sabah’s largest islands with vast potential across various sectors.

“We want to develop Pulau Banggi because it is special, with strong potential in tourism, economic growth, and other sectors.

“We’re planning to strengthen trade ties with our neighbouring countries through barter trade. We’ve tasked Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Haji Mulia (BIMP-EAGA Special Envoy) and our Member of Parliament to push this forward.

“If we can establish a barter trade relationship with the nearby regions, it could further boost our economic activity. Pulau Banggi holds great potential—it is a truly special island in Sabah,” he added.

In line with these plans, the Chief Minister said the government is considering the request by Banggi State Assemblyman, Datuk Mohammad Mohamarin, to upgrade Banggi from a sub-district to a full district.

Additionally, Hajiji approved the construction of a multipurpose hall on the island with an allocation of RM6 million, and a Bonggi Cultural Hall with an allocation of RM1 million.

He stressed that all of these government initiatives stem from genuine concern for the needs of the people of Pulau Banggi, who still require significant attention and support.

“This is the government’s concern for its people. And do you know, since we came into power, we’ve implemented many initiatives, not just major infrastructure projects, but also programmes for the underprivileged,” he said.