Latest news with #HalaTujuSabahMajuJaya
Daily Express
06-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah rural tourism revenue up
Published on: Wednesday, May 07, 2025 Published on: Wed, May 07, 2025 By: R Gonzales Text Size: Hajiji (centre) did a gimmick launching of Kaamatan Festival at Tuaran district level 2025, flanked by his wife Datin Seri Juliah Salag (second right), Jahid (second left), Joniston (left) and Jasnih (right), at a community hall in Kiulu. KIULU: Community-Based Tourism (CoBT) initiatives involving 18 active districts contributed RM7 million revenue in 2024, up from RM6.7 million in 2023, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor said. The Kiulu state constituency is one of the rural areas contributing to the State's revenue and has emerged as a key pioneer in the development of CoBT. 'Tourism is one of the main pillars of the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) initiative, and state revenue from CoBT has increased. 'Therefore, I want to see CoBT actively developed due to its potential to expand and stimulate the economy in rural areas of the State,' he said, when opening the 2025 Tuaran District Kaamatan Festival at the Kiulu Community Hall, Tuesday. Present were State Rural Development Minister cum Tamparuli Assemblyman Datuk Jahid Jahim, State Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Jonistoin Bangkuai cum Kiulu Assemblyman and Pantai Dalit Assemblyman Datuk Jasnih Daya. Hajiji added that Sabah recorded 923,709 tourist arrivals early this year, which is about 26 per cent of the total target of 3.5 million visitors for 2025. 'I am confident this target is not only achievable but can even exceed, just like in 2024 when we welcomed 3.2 million visitors — surpassing the original goal of 3 million,' he said. He emphasised the need to improve rural infrastructure as a foundation to support the growth of both tourism and agriculture. He said good infrastructure not only brings comfort to the local population but also serves as a key attraction for both domestic and international tourists. Hajiji called on the people to continue supporting the government's efforts to strengthen state development, particularly through the tourism sector, which serves as a major economic driver for Sabah. 'The well-being of the people is always our top priority. Sustainable development and economic growth are essential to ensuring lasting prosperity and welfare for the state,' he said. He also congratulated four CoBT associations in the State that signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with four universities and a tourism association from Taiwan, including the Kiulu Tourism Association. The other three CoBT groups involved were the Tambunan Tourism Association, the Sabah Coffee Entrepreneurs Association, and the Tambatuon Village Women's Community Association in Kadamaian, Kota Belud. Hajiji said these collaborations are expected to bring major benefits in knowledge transfer and community tourism empowerment. 'The Kiulu sub-district should fully capitalize on its potential in tourism and agriculture as key economic drivers, especially as it is home to some of the most active CoBT operators in the State. 'The first-ever Community-Based Tourism Conference will be organised this June in Kota Kinabalu by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Sabah Tourism Board as a strategic move to further strengthen Sabah's tourism sector,' he added. At the event, the Chief Minister also approved an allocation of RM1.1 million for development projects in Kiulu. These include the construction of a parking facility, a new road to Kampung Kitapol and a gravity-fed water supply system in Kg Lopot. 'Kiulu must continue to be developed, and the people's aspirations for ongoing progress and well-being must be supported and fulfilled,' he said. Hajiji also announced that the Kiulu Community Hall has been officially renamed the OKK Rampas Community Hall. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
03-05-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
Sabah expands Kinabalu Geopark, Crocker Range Reserve in push for UNESCO 'Triple Crown'
Hajiji, Christina and guests pose for a photo with recipients of corporate social responsibility contributions from the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark during the Launch Ceremony of the Stakeholder and Local Community Consultation Process and the Scientific Expedition for the Expansion of the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark and Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve, Tuaran District, at Linangkit Cultural Village on Saturday. TUARAN (May 3): The State Government remains committed to preserving Sabah's natural treasures through the expansion of the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark (KUGGP) and the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve, in line with the state's sustainable development goals under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said that the international recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for Kinabalu Park as a World Heritage Site and Global Geopark, and the Crocker Range as a Biosphere Reserve, has positioned Sabah as among the top three sites in the world to attain the 'Triple Crown of UNESCO.' 'This is not only an honor but also a big responsibility. We must strengthen the scientific foundation, enhance public awareness, and preserve our natural resources sustainably,' he said at the launch of the Stakeholders and Local Communities' Consultation Process and the Scientific Expedition for the Expansion of KUGGP and Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve at Linangkit Cultural Village here on Saturday. Hajiji said that the proposed expansion of the KUGGP to the Tuaran district is a strategic move that has the full support of the state government. This area is not only rich in biodiversity but also has high potential for the eco-tourism sector and community development. He also announced plans to establish a Public Awareness Center or an information gallery in Tuaran, as an additional requirement to meet the UNESCO criteria. This center will serve as a platform for educating the local community and for disseminating information. 'I want the KUGGP Committee together with the Tuaran District Office to identify a suitable location for the establishment of this center. It is crucial to support community awareness on the importance of the Geopark,' he stated. He further added that the development of the Geopark should not focus solely on science and conservation, but also should also empower the community economically through geoheritage-based tourism. Sabah, he said, has natural advantages that are not found in other states, such as tropical rainforests, mountains, seas, and extraordinary biodiversity. Hajiji cited examples of successful eco-tourism locations such as the Nohutu Eco-Tourism in Kota Belud, Kiulu Farmstay, Walai Tobilung Cultural Centre in Kota Marudu and the Misompuru Homestay in Kudat, which can serve as models for eco-tourism development in Tuaran. Touching on the success of the recently completed Geo-Sulaman Scientific Expedition (EGOS 2025), he hopes the results of the study can be documented to serve as a basis for developing management plans, guidelines, and educational materials related to expanding the Geopark area. He stated that the state government is also planning additional scientific expeditions in the Crocker Range area, involving the districts of Ranau and Tuaran as preparation to further expand the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve. 'The success of the Geopark does not solely rely on its name, but on our collective effort to learn, share and protect this natural treasure for future generations,' he said. Hajiji is confident that the expansion of the KUGGP and Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve will provide comprehensive benefits, including environmental preservation, community education enhancement, and socio-economic development of the state. Also present at the event was Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew.
Daily Express
03-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sandakan second city if RM200 million target is met
Published on: Saturday, May 03, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 03, 2025 By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: Isnin (seated, centre) with the newly sworn-in councillors. SANDAKAN: Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Isnin Aliasnih said the Municipal Council (MPS) has shown commendable performance in recent years, particularly in revenue collection and management. He said if MPS can maintain its revenue collection performance, reaching RM200 million annually, Sandakan has the potential to be elevated to city status. 'If we manage to reach RM200 million in annual income, it can be declared a City Hall. We are heading in that direction and I hope all parties will continue to work hard,' he said at the swearing in of 24 councillors, including several new appointees. Council President Walter Kenson said it remains committed to strengthening its administration in line with the State's development aspirations under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya and the recently launched MPS Strategic Plan 2024–2028. The long-term vision and development direction of the State must always serve as the primary reference in the daily tasks of MPS, he said. 'We cannot deviate from the long-term vision and plans that have been outlined. 'The MPS Strategic Plan 2024–2028 aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya aspirations and supports sustainable development agendas at both national and global levels,' he said. The strategic plan serves as an essential guide in realising the vision of 'Sandakan towards a Smart and Sustainable City 2030,' with the goal of making Sandakan the second city in Sabah after Kota Kinabalu. Six key criteria have been identified as requirements to achieve this status, including efficient governance, financial stability, quality infrastructure development and active community engagement. Walter further emphasised that service delivery aspects need serious attention, including reducing bureaucracy, utilising information technology and enhancing staff efficiency. 'Council members must play a role as monitors and provide feedback to improve the council's service delivery system,' he said. In terms of infrastructure development, MPS will continue to work closely with the state and federal governments to ensure basic facilities such as roads, drainage systems, street lighting and solid waste management are maintained at the highest standards. Initiatives towards a smart city also involve the installation of CCTV, smart street lighting and high-speed internet networks. Regarding environmental sustainability, Walter stressed that protecting Sandakan's natural heritage is a shared responsibility. 'MPS will intensify green initiatives, strengthen law enforcement against pollution, and implement public awareness programmes related to recycling and waste reduction,' he said. He also urged council members to continue promoting community projects that foster a culture of environmental love among Sandakan residents. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
30-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sabah's GDP projected to increase to RM84.9bil in 2024
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's economy has shown positive growth, with a projected gross domestic product (GDP) of RM84.9 billion in 2024 compared to RM83.2 billion in 2023. In a statement after chairing the State Development Action Council meeting at Menara Kinabalu yesterday, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor attributed the achievement to strong cooperation from various stakeholders in the state. He also emphasised the importance of continuing positive contributions and close cooperation to realise the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya aspirations, driven by the Sabah State Strategic Development Plan 2026-2030. "This framework will incorporate various initiatives, including the Blue Economy initiative and state development agendas under the 13th Malaysia Plan," he said. On the same note, Hajiji called for increased ground monitoring of the 1,265 projects and programmes scheduled for completion this year, urging state leadership and department heads to maintain closer supervision. This requires a paradigm shift in implementation, he said, emphasising the need to move away from outdated processes and negative mindsets that fail to acknowledge the state's achievements. He noted that Sabah received one of the highest allocations under the national budget, with RM6.7 billion allocated by the federal government this year. He added that the substantial allocation demonstrates the federal government's commitment to Sabah's development.
Daily Express
29-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
RM83 billion Sabah GDP growth: Chief Minister
Published on: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Published on: Wed, Apr 30, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji speaking to a member of the council after the State Development Action Council meeting. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah's economy registered encouraging growth with its Gross Domestic Product (total value of goods and services) increasing to RM83.2 billion last year from RM82.1 billion in 2023, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 'This shows a momentum of continuous improvement and positive development in Sabah,' he said, adding it is in line with the national GDP which is expected to increase by 2.5 per cent through the Madani Economy Framework that saw the restructuring of Malaysia's economy under the National 2025 Budget. Chairing the State Development Action Council (MTNg) meeting at Menara Kinabalu, Tuesday, he attributed the achievement to co-operation from various quarters in the State. 'If we continue to contribute our energy positively through close cooperation, it is not impossible to successfully implement our Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya aspirations,' he said. He urged relevant agencies to ensure all initiatives and programmes under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya development blueprint are implemented to spur economic growth and to lift the people's livelihood. Under the 13MP, the State Government has formulated a State Strategic Development Hala Tuju as a proactive step to spur Sabah's economy and development from 2026 to 2030. 'It is also an early framework that takes into consideration the policy, blueprint and current development plan. Various initiatives will be initiated encompassing the Blue Economy initiative and each state development agenda under the 13MP,' he said. Despite the various successes, Hajiji said the State Government must not become complacent. 'We must continue to work hard and be more proactive. All State leadership, heads of department and heads at district-level must go down to the ground more frequently to monitor ongoing programme or project implementation. 'This is important to ensure all programmes are done well and thoroughly,' he said, adding that this year 1,265 projects and programmes must be completed in Sabah. All the implementing agencies must constantly monitor these projects' progress and ensure they are completed according to schedule, he said. Sabah is among the highest recipients of the national budget, with RM6.7 billion allocated by the Federal Government this year. 'This proves that the voices of the people and leaders of Sabah are heard. It also demonstrates we are very serious and will strive to boost the State's development,' he said. 'We must do a paradigm shift to ensure the success of all our plans. We should do away with outdated processes and we must change attitudes that focus on the negatives without evaluating or crediting the successes or contributions made to the State,' he 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
