SEMPORNA: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor wants the development of Semporna to be comprehensive, including the enhancement of facilities to strengthen the tourism sector and the blue economy in the area.
He said Semporna has its unique advantages as it is home to several world-renowned tourist destinations, including Sipadan Island, along with other islands that attract both local and international visitors.
According to him, the fishing and marine resources sector in the region also has significant potential for development through the exploration of the blue economy, which is expected to boost state revenue and the income of local residents.
“Semporna is not just about tourism; its marine resources and fisheries are also remarkable. We want to see more comprehensive development, including cleanliness, jetty facilities, and other amenities on the islands,” he said.
He made these remarks after receiving a briefing on the development of the Semporna district during a working visit to Mataking Island as part of the Chief Minister’s Safety Inspection Tour to the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESS Zone).
Hajiji emphasised that the tourism sector in Semporna must be well-preserved as it is a vital treasure not only for Sabah but for Malaysia as a whole.
He noted that the blue economy development is also outlined in the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 plan as one of the new sectors that can contribute to the state’s economic growth over the next five years.
