KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government is being urged to adopt a range of bold economic transformation strategies to tackle the state’s unemployment issue.
Usukan State Assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak stressed the necessity of this action, noting that Sabah’s unemployment rate has only marginally improved to 7.9 percent, in stark contrast to Malaysia’s national rate, which is expected to be 3.2% this year.
“This data highlights the pressing need for more decisive economic transformation efforts,” he stated.
Salleh made these remarks during the debate on the Sabah Budget 2025 at the Sabah State Assembly Meeting here today.
He asserted that to secure a prosperous future for Sabah, the government must lay a solid foundation by implementing innovative and strategic transformation policies.
This includes addressing deficiencies in essential infrastructure such as water supply, electricity, and logistics, advancing digitalisation through smart city initiatives, and fostering the startup ecosystem.
Additionally, Salleh pointed out the importance of promoting sustainable energy sources like solar and hydrogen, as well as enhancing the healthcare sector to cater to the ageing population.
He also stressed the need to unlock the potential of the blue economy through modern maritime and fisheries industries, which would contribute to Sabah’s sustainable and inclusive growth.
