Hajiji being briefed on the LPPB commercial project at the Launching Ceremony of 106 Units of Two-Storey Shops Phase 1 and the Groundbreaking Ceremony for Commercial Project Phase 2 & 3, Sabah Housing and Town Development Board (LPPB) along Jalan Bubul, Semporna, today.
SEMPORNA: Sabah’s development should not only be viewed from Kota Kinabalu or the major towns in the state, but must be intensified in every district according to their respective needs and strengths as a space to continue building and growing.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the commercial development along Jalan Bubul here should be seen as part of Sabah’s development journey, not merely as a commercial project.
He said Semporna has its own uniqueness and its name is already on the world stage due to the beauty of its islands, the clarity of its waters and its tourist attractions, particularly for diving activities.
“Semporna has very valuable natural assets. However, to ensure that this potential can be translated into greater economic benefits for the people, we need complementary development,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the Launching Ceremony of the 106 Units of Two-Storey Shops Phase 1 and the Groundbreaking Ceremony for Commercial Project Phase 2 and 3 by the Sabah Housing and Town Development Board (LPPB) along Jalan Bubul, here, today.
Hajiji said the tourism sector needs to grow in tandem with the development of local businesses to create opportunities for local entrepreneurs, besides opening up employment opportunities for the youth of Semporna and ensuring that the local community also enjoys the benefits of economic growth.
He said the strategic location of the Jalan Bubul commercial area along the main Balung–Semporna route provides the potential for the area to develop as one of the new trade and business districts.
“I believe, if planned and implemented well, this area can become one of the catalysts for economic development around Semporna,” he said.
Hajiji said the development area also has an advantage because there is a river and it is close to the sea, hence he suggested to Ampe (Semporna) Sdn. Bhd. to also consider constructing a jetty.
He said, if there is a suitable and attractive jetty, it could add value by allowing people to enjoy the river and sea views, relax, watch the sunset and take photographs.
“We want to make the best use of the beauty that Allah has bestowed upon Semporna,” he said.
Hajiji said this year marks the beginning of a new phase for Sabah’s development through the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 (SMJ 2.0) Direction for the period 2026 to 2030, as a continuation of efforts implemented through SMJ 1.0.
He said SMJ 2.0 is formulated with the goal of boosting Sabah’s competitiveness, productivity and economic value, while ensuring that development remains inclusive and sustainable.
“We want Sabah to have a more diverse economy, to provide more opportunities for the people and we want human capital that is better prepared to face the future economy. And we want development that ultimately improves the well-being of the people,” he said.
He said the state government will continue to provide a conducive environment for development by strengthening infrastructure, improving service delivery and attracting suitable investment, in addition to cooperating with the private sector and all stakeholders.
Hajiji also stressed that Sabah’s development is not solely the responsibility of the government, but requires the cooperation of all parties, including the private sector, implementing agencies, entrepreneurs and the people.
“We don’t want Sabah to just be a place for investment. We want Sabah’s children to be part of that investment and growth,” he said.
He said progress must be felt by communities in urban and rural areas, large and small entrepreneurs, as well as the youth and older generations, while stressing that the state government will continue to give attention to the development of every district because “no district is too far and no potential should be left untapped.”
