KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will continue to implement existing and new high impact projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) as a catalyst for the state’s development.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said since June, the state government had begun working on the 12MP blueprint for the state which will be implemented between 2021 and 2025.
“The strategic plan and strategies under the 12MP will give emphasis to development agenda, which will include all sectors to strengthen inclusive agenda, improve people’s wellbeing, a balanced regional development, empower human capital, improve sustainability as well as stabilise the state’s economy.
“Sabah has informed the federal government on the key focus areas that require huge allocations to expedite development in the state, so as to be on par with the federal level,” he said during the question and answer session at the 15th state assembly sitting here today.
Shafie, who is also state Finance Minister, was replying to a question by Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun (PPBM-Karanaan) who asked what was the focus, strategy and approach taken by the Sabah government to ensure people in the state get optimum benefits from the 12MP.
Sabah wants to embark on new projects, such as the new Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA); Sabah Eastern Power Generation project known as Southern Link Grid; Papar dam “Upper Padas Hydro Power Plant”; ICT infrastructures and public transport system.
The state government will also continue to implement other existing high impact projects such as Pan Borneo Highway and the expansion of Sepanggar Bay Containers Port.
“Sabah government is also working towards getting allocations from the federal government to expand the Tawau and Lahad Datu airports which have achieved their maximum passenger capacity,” he said.
Shafie said the state’s focus would also be on value-added economic activities such as agricultural activities with commercial value; downstream activities involving biochemical products from palm oil, petrochemical from oil and gas; as well as timber.
He said that the state would not be expanding oil palm cultivation but would use the land for food production purposes.
“For that, we would have a close collaboration with private sectors in developing suitable agriculture land to be turned into food hub for the country and the region.
“Infrastructure and logistics support for cold storage would also be developed at strategic locations,” he added.