Blue economy to be Sabah’s new growth driver under 13MP

Caretaker chief minister Hajiji Noor credits Kota Kinabalu’s quiet diplomacy with Putrajaya for the federal government’s decision to elevate marine resources as a national development priority.

The Blue Economy Industrial Park will be based in Kudat, making the coastal town the hub of Sabah’s sustainable ocean-based development. (Bernama pic)

KOTA KINABALU:

 The blue economy has gained recognition as Sabah’s new engine of growth after Putrajaya elevated it as a national development priority under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), says caretaker chief minister Hajiji Noor.

Hajiji said Sabah has the greatest potential to lead this agenda, which covers renewable energy, modern fisheries, marine biotechnology, maritime logistics, and ecosystem conservation.

The plan was specifically highlighted in the 13MP, which was presented by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat on July 31, he told FMT.

“When you mention Sarawak, think renewable energy. When you mention Sabah, think blue economy,” he said, recalling Anwar’s endorsement when he presented Sabah’s blue economy roadmap during a meeting for menteris besar and chief ministers.

Hajiji Noor.

Hajiji attributed this achievement to a “quiet but consistent” diplomatic approach that, he said, defines his leadership style in dealings with the federal government and national agencies.

“We don’t need to shout or argue. We discuss things properly, and we get results,” he said.

Hajiji said that in pursuit of the agenda’s target, the state government is developing the Blue Economy Industrial Park in Kudat. “This will become a hub for ocean-based industries, marine technology, and clean energy,” he added.

The Sabah government expects the new effort to lead to the creation of more jobs and economic spillovers for coastal and rural communities.

Hajiji stressed that Sabah’s blue economy development plan is backed by concrete, implementable plans, not mere rhetoric.

“Shouting here and there, saying this and that, get us nothing. I stay quiet, and there are results,” he said.

He also thanked Putrajaya for its support, saying that this has helped to make Sabah one of the states that have received the most focus under the country’s next phase of development.

“This is how we develop Sabah,” he said in urging voters to choose leaders capable of executing long-term plans and continuing the state’s progress.

“If you love Sabah and want to develop and advance this state, we need to choose a government that can execute clear and sincere agendas for the people,” he added. - FMT