Sabah’s blue economy potential to be unlocked with RM6.9 billion in 2026 development funds, focusing on infrastructure and special economic zones.
KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah is poised to become a strategic blue economy hub under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah said the state’s natural resources, biodiversity and location will be leveraged with modern infrastructure and green technology.
He told the Dewan Rakyat that special economic zones, including food production zones, will be explored based on area potential. This was in response to a question on plans to revive Sabah’s GDP and prevent widening regional disparities.
Development allocations for Sabah under the 13MP’s first rolling plan in 2026 will rise 13.8% to RM6.9 billion. Key projects include the Sabah Heart Centre, Kalabakan–Simanggaris Road, Phase 1B of the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway and the Sabah Water Project.
“The government will continue an integrated approach under the 13MP to ensure development initiatives and strategies are implemented comprehensively,” Mohd Shahar said. He added this aims to fully mobilise Sabah’s economic potential for inclusive and sustainable prosperity.
Approved investments in Sabah totalled RM11.91 billion from January to September 2025. This comprised RM5.29 billion in domestic investment and RM6.62 billion in foreign investment.
