Shafie disputes Sabah's economic data

Daily Express

02-05-2025

Published on: Saturday, May 03, 2025
Published on: Sat, May 03, 2025 Text Size: Shafie further pointed out that during Warisan's tenure, the government ensured that Sabah's economy grew year on year, even during the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Kota Kinabalu: Former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal challenged the GRS-PH State Government's claims, saying Sabah's 2023 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at RM83.2 billion is lower than the RM85.6 billion recorded in 2019 under Warisan. 'This makes Sabah the only state in Malaysia that has not recovered to its pre-pandemic economic level. 'Data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia reveals that Sabah's economy grew faster under Warisan (2018-2020) than under the current Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government. 'In 2019, Warisan achieved a record high GDP of RM85.6 billion, an increase from RM79.7 billion in 2017. 'However, after the change in government in 2020, Sabah's GDP fell to RM77.8 billion. By 2023, the economy only managed to recover to RM83.2 billion, which is still RM2.45 billion lower than in 2019. 'The unemployment rate has also worsened. In 2019, 114,300 individuals were unemployed in Sabah. 'By 2023, this number had increased to 165,600, representing an increase of more than 50,000,' the Parti Warisan President said in a statement. Shafie further pointed out that during Warisan's tenure, the government ensured that Sabah's economy grew year on year, even during the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. 'Under Warisan's leadership, economic progress was evident. However, despite being in power for over four years, GRS has failed to produce similar economic results,' according to Shafie. He said one of Warisan's key economic strategies was to build downstream industries, shifting Sabah's economy away from being reliant on raw materials. Shafie highlighted initiatives launched under Warisan such as the BESS Cooking Oil in Tawau, Sabah's first locally produced cooking oil brand, launched in 2020, GOLD Cooking Oil in Sandakan, a joint venture processing crude palm oil into consumer-ready products and Onsoi Cooking Oil in Keningau, a facility providing affordable cooking oil to rural communities. 'POIC Lahad Datu remains largely underutilised and the Kimanis petrochemical hub has failed to deliver on its potential. 'Instead of becoming a centre for industrial growth, POIC Lahad Datu is now mainly used for warehousing and logistics. 'The Kimanis petrochemical hub, once a game-changer for Sabah's oil and gas industry, has stalled,' Shafie said. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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