Hajiji delivering his speech at the state awards investiture ceremony held in conjunction with the 75th birthday celebration of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah at Istana Seri Kinabalu today.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s economy is expected to continue growing on a positive trajectory despite external pressures, including the impact of a global economic slowdown driven by prolonged conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the confidence is underpinned by the implementation of the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan (SMJ) 2.0, which serves as the core of the state’s development agenda for the next five years.
“With the conclusion of the 17th State Election at the end of November last year, the State Government under my leadership is determined to intensify development efforts over the next five years, guided by the Hala Tuju SMJ 2.0 launched on January 30.
“This direction is also aligned with the implementation of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which begins this year until 2030. Therefore, I am confident that through SMJ 2.0, the state’s economy will continue to grow positively despite external pressures such as the global economic slowdown caused by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe,” he said in his speech at the state awards investiture ceremony held in conjunction with the 75th birthday celebration of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah at Istana Seri Kinabalu here today.
Hajiji said the geopolitical turmoil has also disrupted global oil supply.
“This situation has triggered a global energy crisis, which will also be felt in this country. As such, I urge the public to practise prudence, especially in spending and daily vehicle usage,” he said.
At the same time, he advised the public to use water wisely amid rising temperatures, which indicate the possible onset of the El Niño phenomenon that could lead to prolonged drought.
“In this regard, avoid open burning and reduce outdoor activities, especially when temperatures reach unusually high levels,” he said.
