Latest news with #SabahMajuJaya
Borneo Post
12 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Joniston applauds formation of Tawau Tourism Working Group
Joniston greeting Tawau tourism players. TAWAU (July 29): Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has commended tourism stakeholders here for taking the initiative to form a dedicated Tawau Tourism Working Group. Joniston, who also chairs the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), described such an initiative as a timely step towards driving more structured and impactful tourism efforts in the district. 'This shows there is energy and drive within the industry. A focused and functional working group will be a good platform to push new ideas, close gaps, and advocate for the kind of support that tourism in Tawau deserves,' he said during an engagement session with stakeholders here. Organised by STB, the engagement session gathered representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Immigration Department, Tawau airport, and key tourism players in Tawau. At the same time, Joniston emphasised that the involvement of local authorities is equally crucial, as their role complements grassroots tourism initiatives, especially efforts to develop rural areas and ensure alignment with district-level planning. He stressed local authorities and District Tourism Action Committees need to be in the thick of tourism-related development, given their responsibilities in local planning, development and socio-economic growth. 'Their participation is not just expected but necessary, as tourism is one of the key pillars under the Sabah Maju Jaya development agenda, and it cannot thrive without shared responsibility,' he said. Joniston reaffirmed that the Sabah Tourism Board remains committed to supporting grassroots initiatives to strengthen tourism development at the district level. Present were STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, Sabah MOTAC director Ibrahim Othman, and Tourism Malaysia Sabah director Haryanty Abu Bakar, among others. During the engagement session, Julinus shared ongoing initiatives, key strategies and future directions in line with the Explore Sabah campaign.
Borneo Post
12 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Modern township set to transform Kinabatangan into East Coast growth hub
KOTA KINABALU (July 29): Kinabatangan is set to make history with the development of a modern township, Bandar Seri Milian, which is poised to become a catalyst for rural progress and economic upliftment in the region. This high-impact development is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Kinabatangan District Council and private developer SUNMOW Construction Sdn Bhd, encompassing a mixed development over 157.48 acres in Kota Kinabatangan town. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for August 15 at 2pm, at Dataran Terminal Terbuka, Kota Kinabatangan, and will be officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor. Community Development Leader for Lamag, Johainizamshah Johari, said the Bandar Seri Milian project will be implemented in three phases over a 15-year period, with a Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM366 million. Significantly, he noted that the project is fully funded by the developer, with no financial burden or land collateral required from the local authority. Key components of the project include modern and affordable housing, essential infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity supply, a new administrative centre for the Kinabatangan District Council, educational institutions, a community hall, recreational areas, and designated business, commercial, and light industrial zones. Johainizamshah emphasised that Bandar Seri Milian is not just a physical transformation but a symbol of the government's commitment to holistic development in rural areas. 'Under Hajiji's leadership, the state government is determined to ensure the people of Kinabatangan enjoy access to modern amenities, economic opportunities, and an improved quality of life,' he said in a statement on Tuesday. The project aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development blueprint, which promotes balanced development between urban and rural areas and aims to ensure inclusive prosperity. He also expressed confidence in the developer's track record in delivering large-scale, self-financed projects, adding that it would ensure smooth execution. 'This is an investment for the future. Bandar Seri Milian will emerge as a new growth hub, attracting investors, creating jobs, and stimulating the local entrepreneurship ecosystem. 'The development is expected to generate lasting socioeconomic benefits for Kinabatangan and elevate the district into a key growth centre on Sabah's East Coast,' he said.
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Both stability and growth apparent under GRS: Duo
Published on: Monday, July 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 Text Size: Kadir and TC Goh. Kota Kinabalu: Two prominent business leaders lauded the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-PH government under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor for maintaining political stability and driving inclusive economic development in the State. Chief Executive Officer of Kumpulan BTC Berhad Datuk Abdul Kadir M.E. Sikkandar, said the current administration has created a conducive environment for business growth and investor confidence. He highlighted the government's commitment to transparency, inclusiveness and people-centric development, stating that Sabah today stands on a strong foundation. 'With continued leadership under Hajiji I am confident Sabah will scale even greater heights. 'Political uncertainty continues to challenge other parts of the country, but Sabah has emerged as a model of calm, unity and steady progress,' he said. Abdul Kadir said Kumpulan BTC Berhad, a homegrown company, has grown significantly under the current administration and now employs over 800 Sabahans across various sectors. He attributed the expansion to the state's stable political climate and pro-business policies under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan. 'The SMJ Plan has reenergised key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, infrastructure and renewable energy. 'While also opening up opportunities for local and Bumiputera entrepreneurs to thrive,' he said. Abdul Kadir who is also the Deputy President of the Dewan Usahawan Melayu Sabah observed a renewed sense of optimism among local entrepreneurs, especially younger Sabahans exploring opportunities in business, agriculture and innovation within the State. Meanwhile, prominent businessman Tan Sri TC Goh said the GRS government's economic stewardship has yielded remarkable results. 'The result exceeded expectations and solidifying its position as a capable administrator,' said the Sabah Advisory Council (SEAC) member. 'The Government's success is underscored by a dramatic increase in state revenue: nearly RM7 billion annually for 2022, 2023, and 2024 – a significant leap from RM3.5 billion in 2020,' Goh said. This growth, Goh said, mirrored a robust rise in Sabah's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), climbing from RM83.2 billion in 2023 to RM84.3 billion in 2024, coupled with a substantial increase in state reserves to RM8.6 billion. He said these figures demonstrate a healthy and thriving economy, directly attributable to the GRS government's effective management. 'This economic growth translates into higher income and employment rates, ultimately improving the standard of living for Sabahans…Furthermore, the stability fostered by the GRS government has boosted investor confidence, creating a positive feedback loop for continued economic expansion.' * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * 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
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Hajiji: Unity govt backing sparked by federal leader's snub of 'Borneo Bloc' term
Hajiji, Deputy Gagasan Rakyat president Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, and party leaders exchanging greetings with the delegates at SICC on Sunday. KOTA KINABALU (July 27): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor revealed that a federal leader's apparent disdain for the term 'Borneo Bloc' was the turning point that led him to throw his support behind Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Unity Government. In his winding-up speech at the Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) annual general convention here today, Hajiji shared how the encounter reshaped his political stance and influenced Gabungan Rakyat Sabah's (GRS) current federal alignment. 'That was before. Not a leader from the Unity Government. That was back then… before the Unity Government,' said Hajiji, recounting a meeting with a former federal leader who dismissed the idea of Bornean cooperation. 'When I heard those words, that is when I made the decision to support the Unity Government. Because to me, those words did not sit well. He did not like the Borneo Bloc,' he later said when met by reporters at the end of the event. Hajiji in his speech earlier, related to the delegates that he was accompanied by Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun and Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan during the meeting, where the federal leader not only declared himself 'the master' but also objected to Sabah and Sarawak sharing experiences. 'He did not want us to engage with our neighbours in Sarawak. I was deeply shocked by his words. I thought long and hard about what he meant and why he said it,' Hajiji told party delegates. 'That moment caused me to lose heart in that leadership direction. After much reflection, I decided to bring GRS to support the Unity Government.' 'Alhamdulillah, under the leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister, the Unity Government has listened to our voices and treated us well. Therefore, I want to state once again that GRS remains firmly in support of the Prime Minister of Malaysia,' he said. He added that long-standing demands under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are finally being addressed under Anwar's administration. 'Before this, it was extremely difficult to get them to devolve power or approve our requests. So, what are we hoping for? If the Unity Government is good for our state, why shouldn't we support it?' he said. Urging delegates to remain united and steadfast, Hajiji emphasised that Sabah's destiny must not be dictated by outsiders. 'This is our land, and we are the ones who must determine its direction. Not those from across the sea who presume to dictate to us,' he said and reiterated his commitment to implementing programmes for the benefit of the people, particularly under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 development blueprint, which is set to roll out in 2026. 'Sabah is our homeland. Insya-Allah, SMJ 2.0 will be implemented starting next year. We will further strengthen programmes for the people,' he said. Among the key initiatives mentioned was the continuation of the Sentuhan Kasih Rakyat programme, which provides RM300 monthly to eligible recipients for a year. Hajiji also announced additional assistance for women, youth, and Beliawanis wings particularly those aiming to start small businesses. 'We will help those in need. We will improve the aid schemes previously mentioned by Vice President Datuk Arifin and our other colleagues. Never in the history of Sabah's administration have we seen such impactful policies except under the GRS government,' he pointed out. He stressed that while Sabah is focused on large-scale economic development, the state must not forget those at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder. According to Hajiji, tens of thousands of job opportunities have been created since GRS came into power, reducing the need for Sabahans to seek employment in other states or abroad. 'Sometimes when we stay in hotels in Kuala Lumpur, we encounter Sabahan youths working there. They have degrees and diplomas. But because they had to migrate, it shows we had not created enough jobs for them. That is why GRS has intensified efforts in investor-friendly policies, industrial development, agriculture, and tourism, to generate local job opportunities. 'This is our struggle. Believe me, if we win the election, we will govern the state of Sabah in the best way possible,' he stressed. Before concluding, Hajiji expressed his appreciation to party leaders and delegates for their commitment and support, and extended special thanks to the Permanent Chairman and Deputy Chairman for their smooth handling of the convention. 'Let us stay united. Let this fighting spirit carry us through the next general election. Insya-Allah, we will win in style,' said the Gagasan Rakyat President. Meanwhile Hajiji confirmed that he will be accompanying Anwar on a working visit to Indonesia starting tomorrow.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Masidi: ‘Sabah Tanah Airku' embodies spirit of Sabah's political struggle
Masidi, Gagasan Rakyat leaders, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) component members leaders and the delegates after the opening ceremony today. KOTA KINABALU (July 26): Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) deputy president Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun has called on Sabahans to take inspiration from the state anthem 'Sabah Tanah Airku,' describing it as the soul of Sabah's political identity and the guiding force for its future. Speaking at the opening of Gagasan Rakyat's Women, Youth, and Beliawanis joint annual convention here today, Masidi pushed back against persistent accusations of betrayal directed at Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leaders, saying that the final judgment belongs to the people. 'I will never betray the people of Sabah. I understand the hopes and aspirations of our people. What matters most is not what others say about us, but whether the rakyat believe we deserve to carry forward Sabah's mandate. And I believe we do,' he stressed. Masidi pointed out that the message behind Sabah Tanah Airku, sung at every official function, encapsulates the very values GRS upholds: unity, pride, and relentless commitment to progress. 'The entire spirit of our political life, our love for Sabah, our dream for development, our hope for unity, is captured in that one song. When we say 'Sabah First,' it is not merely a slogan. It is the essence of who we are, and it comes directly from the mandate embedded in our anthem,' Masidi said. He stressed that 'Sabah Maju Jaya' slogan frequently criticized by political opponents, is not a partisan catchphrase but a continuation of the aspirations laid out in the state anthem. 'When someone mocks or belittles 'Sabah Maju Jaya', what they are really doing is belittling their own state. They are mocking their own state anthem. Sabah Maju Jaya was not created by GRS. It is actually a part of our inherited history, and we must uphold it as the foundation of our effort and struggle. 'We want to always be independent, not just physically free, but mentally free. Free to think and determine what is best for Sabah. We do not want our thinking to be influenced by outside elements that make us lose our Sabahan identity. We want to remain Sabahans, with thoughts that are our own. 'And that is why we focus on local parties, because we want Sabah to develop based on its own model of progress. Not because someone else wants us to do this or that. Yes, we want to be friends with others, but we will make friends on our own terms, not on terms dictated by others. This is our struggle,' he stressed. He also took aim at detractors who offer constant criticism without solutions, pointing out, 'People can talk, people can criticize. But there are those who are good at criticizing yet say very little about what their plans are to solve problems. 'I understand there is criticism every day, in the newspapers, in the State Assembly. That is true. But for me, it has reached a point where: 'What you say is your problem, not my problem.' 'Let's focus on what truly matters. We have a track record. What do the critics have to show for themselves? We are not here to silence criticism—we are here to deliver results. Let our work speak for us.' With the state gearing up for the next election, he warned of the consequences of losing local control and GRS' achievements must be defended. 'That is why we must win this election. Because we want Sabah to progress, because we love Sabah, and we want these achievements to be multiplied in the future. We are not merely defending GRS' achievement, we are defending the future of our people, especially the younger generation. 'If we lose this government, others will take over. And if that happens, what will become of Sabah in 10 years? Will our youth still have a place? Will Sabahans still be in charge of Sabah?' he questioned. 'We are not just defending GRS' track record. We are defending the future of our people—especially our young ones. Sabah's future is too important to be handed away,' he said. In a passionate conclusion, Masidi urged unity and focus. 'Let go of petty quarrels. Don't let small conflicts become walls that block big dreams. This is not about individual ambition. This is about ensuring Sabahans remain masters in their own homeland,' he said. 'You are the master. You own Sabah. Not someone else. We, the people of Sabah, must determine our future. No one else,' said Masidi. Gagasan Rakyat lead masidi manjun Sabah state election Sabah Tanah Airku
