Haji Hajiji Haji Noor
SIPITANG: The Sipitang Oil & Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP) has secured high-impact investments expected to commence operations in 2026 and 2027, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
He said that among these investments is Esteel, which will establish a green steel factory with phased investments worth RM20 billion, and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), which will develop a Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility with an investment value of RM8.8 billion.
Other investments include E-Concern Sdn Bhd in waste management, worth RM1 billion, and Tex Evolosi Waste Management Sdn Bhd, valued at RM70 million.
“All the companies mentioned are expected to commence operations in 2026 and 2027. These investments will create job opportunities starting from the construction phase and continue during operations. Certainly, the people of Sipitang and its surrounding areas will benefit from the economic spillover in various sectors.
“I am fully confident that with the combined efforts of political leaders, government machinery and the people of Sipitang, we will achieve greater development and success in this district,” he said when officiating at the opening of the Arts, Culture, Tourism and Traditional Food Carnival in conjunction with the 2024 Sabah Kadayan Harvest Festival at Top Ten Field, near here, today. His speech was read by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif.
Hajiji said that foreign and domestic investors remain confident in the state administration, which has a clear direction. This confidence has been reflected in investments worth RM1.7 billion this year.
He called for the tourism industry in Sipitang to be further strengthened to generate economic benefits and employment, given the district’s strategic location near neighbouring countries such as Brunei and Kalimantan, as well as Sarawak and Labuan.
Moreover, he noted that Sipitang, famous for its satay, serves as a key entry point for tourists from Brunei and Sarawak travelling by land.
The Chief Minister said the State Government consistently supports traditional festivals such as the Kadayan Harvest Festival and wants them to be held annually as a platform to foster unity, particularly among the Kadayan ethnic group and other ethnic communities in the state.
He emphasised the importance of cultural preservation not only to maintain ethnic identity but also as a foundation for societal unity and harmony.
“In Sabah, we take pride in our cultural diversity, with 35 ethnic groups and 217 sub-ethnic groups, making the state unique and rich in various traditions and customs. To continue upholding the state’s cultural heritage, RM13.66 million has been allocated for next year.
“This funding is to ensure that the state’s cultural and artistic heritage remains preserved and safeguarded. Additionally, it will boost the tourism sector and ensure that this heritage can be enjoyed by current and future generations,” he said.
Hajiji highlighted that the State Government prioritises the welfare of the people in every plan, particularly in improving their economic and social standards of living.
He said various programmes, initiatives and assistance are provided to all levels of society, including the poor and hardcore poor, as well as primary, secondary and higher education students.
He said the State Government had introduced the Rumah Mesra SMJ initiative, with 20 houses allocated for each state constituency (DUN). This will be increased to 40 houses next year, with an estimated budget of RM250 million.
