Positive Changes in the Economy and Development

23 November 2024

TUARAN: The State Government has made significant strides in the economic sector and overall development in Sabah over the past four years.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor highlighted that one of the key achievements has been Sabah's increased participation in the oil and gas industry's development.

He noted that in addition to advancing initiatives outlined in the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Direction Plan, the state government is actively exploring new resources to bolster existing economic sectors, with the aim of enhancing economic growth year after year.

“However, achieving these goals requires ongoing support from all stakeholders, especially the community, as we work together to develop this state,” he said at the Closing Ceremony of the MyLesen Madani 2024 Programme held at the Dewan Seri Sulaman in Tuaran on Saturday.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the government has implemented numerous efforts and initiatives aimed at assisting the people, particularly those from the B40 group, whether by improving economic conditions or increasing educational opportunities. This is in line with the state’s commitment to eradicate poverty, especially hardcore poverty, which remains a crucial agenda for the government.

He also revealed that the government has adopted several proactive measures, including providing employment opportunities to heads of households or members of the targeted demographic. This ongoing initiative involves collaboration between various government agencies and the private sector, coordinated by the Sabah Maju Jaya Secretariat.

In the effort to eliminate hardcore poverty, the State Government is set to construct 3,000 units of SMJ Friendly Homes next year across all 73 State Assembly (DUN) areas, with a total investment of RM250 million.

Hajiji highlighted that for human capital development, the state government has doubled its allocation for the Sabah State Government Scholarship (BKNS) to RM127 million, up from the previous RM50 million.

"This increase will undoubtedly provide more qualified Sabahans with the financial assistance they need for pursuing higher education," he stated.

He further explained that both the state and federal governments are committed to understanding and addressing the needs of citizens across all demographics, whether in urban or rural settings. They have collaborated on various initiatives, particularly in the transportation sector.

The Chief Minister described the MyLesen Madani 2024 program at the state level as a testament to the strong partnership between the state and federal governments aimed at helping targeted groups, especially the B40 demographic, obtain driving licenses.

He added that a quota of 3,110 licenses has been allocated for Sabah this year, significantly higher than the 500 quota set in 2023.

Hajiji noted that the MyLesen Madani 2024 program in the Tuaran District will cover four State Assembly (DUN) areas: Sulaman, Pantai Dalit, Tamparuli, and Kiulu, involving a total of 500 participants.

“Implementing the MyLesen MADANI 2024 programme at the state level will enhance driving license ownership among Sabah residents, particularly those in the B40 group. This initiative is a commendable effort by the government to empower low-income individuals, expand their mobility, and create greater job, educational, and economic opportunities for rural communities,” he stressed.

He also expressed hope that the programme will instill discipline among participants, encouraging them to prioritise road safety through responsible driving practices.