State GLCs must maximise SMJ’s investor-friendly policy to spur Sabah’s growth

KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor urged government-linked companies (GLCs) to take full advantage of the State Government’s investor-friendly policy under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) to further spur Sabah’s economic growth.
According to him, the approach has resulted in Sabah achieving RM12 billion in foreign and RM942 million in domestic investments as well as creating more than 5,000 jobs in the two-year period beginning September 2020.
Hajiji was confident that with the existing experience and credibility, the GLCs have what it takes to move forward in their businesses and contribute directly to the SMJ aspirations.
On its part, he said the State Government would boost the capacity and galvanise the involvement of GLCs in the oil and gas, mineral, agriculture, aquaculture and marine resources industries.
“Sabah’s riches in natural resources must be capitalised to generate optimum revenue and economic growth through the involvement of state GLCs in the industrial sector,” he said at the Sabah Economic Development Corporation (Sedco) Golden Jubilee Dinner in Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here tonight.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister cum Industrial Development Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
He said Sedco, being the oldest agencies in Sabah with the role to stimulate economic recovery, enhance the people’s economy and build up the state’s human capital resources must ensure it remains relevant and to be more competitive in line with the demand of the current economy.
Admittedly, it is not an easy task especially after the Covid-19 pandemic two years ago but it is a challenge that Sedco must face, he said.
“I believe it can be done with dedication, wisdom, new vision and ideas from its management. The commitment of each individual must always be mobilised in an integrated and proactive way to achieve all the desired objectives,” he said.
Hajiji was also confident that Sedco’s involvement in various sectors like manufacturing, services, real estate development and entrepreneurship would continue to be the catalyst to Sabah’s economic growth