Hajiji and Domestic Trade and Living Costs Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali viewing local products
KOTA KINABALU: The State Government’s efforts to empower local entrepreneurs have significantly boosted the global marketability of Sabah-made products, generating potential sales of RM95.9 million in 2025.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the achievement was driven by the participation of 124 Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs in 18 international trade expos.
“This marks a 37.12 per cent increase from RM60.4 million recorded the previous year, proving that Sabah products have the quality and strong potential to compete globally,” he said at the Buy Malaysian Goods Inspiration Programme at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today.
Hajiji said the State Government would continue expanding international market access in 2026 through participation in major expos in countries such as Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Japan and France.
“This not only creates new opportunities for our entrepreneurs but also showcases the identity and uniqueness of Sabah products on the global stage,” he said.
He added that the Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) has been entrusted to further strengthen entrepreneurship and local industry development.
As of 2025, a total of 5,879 entrepreneurs have benefited from various support initiatives, including assistance with machinery and business equipment to enhance productivity and efficiency.
Hajiji stressed that strong collaboration between the Federal and State Governments, implementing agencies and industry players is key to strengthening the domestic economy and elevating local products.
He also urged entrepreneurs to capitalise on opportunities to promote high-quality, unique products to wider markets, noting that many still operate on a small scale with limited branding and marketing.
“There are excellent products that are not marketed aggressively, and some lack strong branding and packaging despite their high quality,” he said.
He called on entrepreneurs to step out of their comfort zones and embrace change, innovation and new market opportunities.
“To penetrate the global market, consistency in quality, international-standard packaging and understanding modern consumer preferences are essential,” he said.
Hajiji also highlighted the potential of integrating local products into Sabah’s tourism sector, which recorded 10.67 million visitor arrivals and RM23.42 billion in tourism receipts between 2021 and 2025.
He encouraged entrepreneurs to leverage the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign and platforms such as the Buy Malaysian Goods Campaign (KBBM) to promote their products.
KBBM recorded sales of RM7.4 billion in 2024, up from RM6.5 billion in 2023 and RM2.7 billion in 2022, reflecting growing consumer support for local goods.
Meanwhile, Malaysia’s retail and wholesale trade sector reached RM1.87 trillion in 2025, up from RM1.766 trillion in 2024, signalling stronger domestic economic activity and consumer confidence.
“KBBM is more than a sales platform, it is a space to build networks, strengthen brands and access larger markets,” he said, urging Sabah entrepreneurs to forge strategic collaborations within the state as well as with partners in Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia.
