SEDIA- a Strategic Complement to the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya

24 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) agenda, under the purview of the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA), serves as a strategic complement to the implementation of the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ).

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said,

“It also supports the nation’s development aspirations under the Malaysia Madani framework. "

He said this at the breaking of fast ceremony with State and Federal department heads at Menara Kinabalu today.

He highlighted that in an increasingly competitive landscape of state development, strategic investment remains a key catalyst for Sabah’s economic growth.

“Our priority is to attract high-quality investments capable of creating high-value jobs, strengthening local supply chains, and delivering tangible benefits to local communities. "

“To bolster the state’s investment ecosystem, SEDIA acts as a strategic facilitator, coordinating planning, driving investment promotion, and serving as a bridge between the State Government, Federal agencies, and the private sector,” he explained.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the State Government, through SEDIA, is committed to ensuring that the development agenda is executed in a balanced and inclusive manner across Sabah.

This commitment is reflected in the SDC framework, where several strategic studies have been completed to support more balanced and targeted regional development planning.

Among these are the Economic Master Plan and Business Plan Study for POIC Sandakan, the Master Plan and Business Plan Study for the Free Economic Zone, Logistics Hub, and Cold Storage Depot at POIC Lahad Datu, the Sabah Border Economic Development Study, and the Master Plan Study for the Food Valley in Sabah’s interior.

“Findings from these studies provide a stronger foundation for planning and facilitate inclusive, sustainable regional economic growth. "

“To ensure the consistent pursuit of balanced regional development, SEDIA remains relevant as a facilitating and strategic agency to accelerate the state’s economic progress."

“SEDIA’s capabilities are further reinforced through its sound financial governance, exemplified by the award of the Clean Audit Certificate for its financial statements for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024,” he added.

Hajiji also stated that in line with a people-centric development approach, efforts to implement people-focused infrastructure projects continue to be strengthened to ensure development benefits are felt inclusively and evenly throughout the state.

This initiative, carried out from 2020 to 2025, encompasses small but high-impact projects across three main development regions, the West Coast, Central, and East Coast Sabah, involving a total of 32 districts and sub-districts.

Cumulatively, 1,126 small projects have been implemented as targeted interventions to enhance socio-economic inclusivity, improve access to basic facilities, and narrow development gaps between regions and communities, particularly in rural areas.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister called on all department heads to continue fostering a high-performance culture within their organisations.

“The success of the Sabah First agenda depends on collective commitment, strong leadership, and the willingness to implement necessary changes in the best interest of the people and the state.”

At the same event, the Chief Minister presented Sumbangan Kasih Ramadan to 16 registered tahfiz centres and Islamic learning institutions.