Sabah expecting 4 to 5pc economic growth this year

KOTA KINABALU, June 27 — Sabah is expecting more economic recovery this year with a positive growth forecast of four to five per cent for 2022 and 2023.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said this projection was in line with the government’s commitment to continue the recovery momentum by efforts such as speeding up the implementation of development initiatives, especially high-impact projects and attracting more high-impact investments to Sabah.

“Despite being in uncertain global and national economic circumstances, Sabah’s economy is currently on the right track towards recovery when it recorded a positive growth at a rate of 1.1 per cent in 2021 compared to a contraction of 9.2 per cent in the previous year.

“This achievement is supported by the state’s strong performance in trade following the increase in Sabah’s export activities,” he said in a speech at the 12MP Midterm Review Engagement Session.

His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.

Hajiji said the development agenda presently implemented by the Sabah government was drawn up based on the State Development Strategic Direction under the 12MP to achieve the objective of “Malaysia Makmur, Inklusif, Mampan” (Prosperous, Inclusive and Sustainable Malaysia).

He said that the state would ensure development projects and programmes were implemented according to schedule.

Meanwhile, Hajiji also told the conference that almost RM15 billion in allocations has been approved by Putrajaya for development projects in Sabah under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).

“The state government is grateful for the federal government’s commitment to Sabah, for its approval of RM14.976bil in allocations in Sabah which will finance some 3,436 development projects through various ministries, including 1,181 new projects and extensions,” he said.

The said these funds were approved under the Rolling Plan 1 (RP1) up to RP3.

The state in turn would continue to provide cooperation and support to the federal government in order to make the implementation of the 12MP a success.