Sabah tourism generates over 380,000 jobs

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's tourism sector remains a key economic driver, generating over 380,000 jobs and contributed RM13.1 billion to the state's economy in 2023, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Hajiji said tourism accounted for about 15 per cent of Sabah's gross domestic product (GDP) last year, underscoring its growing role in socio-economic development.
'But statistics alone do not tell the full story. Behind every number are lives and families empowered through tourism,' he said in a speech delivered by Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew at the launch of the ASEAN Travel Exchange (ATEX 2025) here today.
Hajiji noted that many tourism ventures in rural Sabah are led by local families who offer authentic cultural and nature-based experiences. In 2024, the sector contributed RM7 million in state revenue from 18 active districts.
'The state is conducting more grassroots initiatives in rural areas to widen these benefits,' he said.
He reaffirmed the state government's commitment to the tourism sector through infrastructure upgrades, including improvements to Kota Kinabalu International Airport, rural road access and digital platforms to better promote and manage visitor experiences.
'Our strategy for a resilient, future-ready tourism economy includes embracing green principles, accelerating digitalisation and strengthening Sabah's profile as a host for international tourism events.
Hajiji said hosting ATEX 2025 marks a major milestone for Sabah, positioning it not just as a destination but as a strategic partner in shaping ASEAN's tourism future.
'We welcome industry leaders across the region to Sabah, to strengthen partnerships, spark new opportunities and move forward together,' he said.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Daily Express

a day ago

• Daily Express

Inclusive and comprehensive development policies: CM

Published on: Sunday, June 22, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 22, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji during his speech at the Istiadat Pengurniaan Darjah-Darjah Kebesaran in conjunction with the official 74th birthday celebration of the Head of State, Tun Musa Aman, at Istana Seri Kinabalu, Saturday. THE State Government will continue to strengthen the implementation of inclusive and comprehensive development policies through the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap in its efforts to ensure sustained progress and the well-being of the people in the state. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that since its introduction, the policy has had a significant impact, particularly in areas such as economic recovery, investment, agriculture, human capital development, and public welfare. 'Alhamdulillah, we are witnessing growing investment activities and increased state revenue collection in recent years. This is proof of the effectiveness of the government's approach,' he said, in his speech during the Istiadat Pengurniaan Darjah-Darjah Kebesaran in conjunction with the official 74th birthday celebration of the Head of State, Tun Musa Aman, at Istana Seri Kinabalu, Saturday. He added that the State Government is also focusing on the development of the agricultural sector, which is a key contributor to ensuring food security in Sabah. Among the initiatives were establishment of the Sabah Rice and Padi Board (LPBS) and the launch of the Paddy Crop Takaful Scheme (STTP) aimed at increasing the state's rice Self-Sufficiency Level (SSL) from 24 per cent in 2025 to sixty per cent by 2030. 'This is a strategic step to ensure Sabah becomes more self-reliant in basic food production, thereby reducing dependence on imports,' he said. Advertisement He added that human capital development, especially among the younger generation, remains a top priority for the government through various youth development programmes such as skills training, education, entrepreneurship, leadership and sports. Hajiji said the State Government has also approved the establishment of the Sabah State TVET Council as a platform to coordinate and monitor technical and vocational education and training to meet current industry needs. 'We want to ensure Sabah's youths are equipped with the knowledge and skills relevant to contribute to the development of the state and the nation.' Hajiji also emphasised that the strong relationship and close cooperation with the Federal Government will continue to be upheld to ensure Sabah is not left behind in the national development agenda. He said the State Government highly values the various forms of assistance and initiatives provided by the Federal Government, including in infrastructure, health, education, and security. He expressed his appreciation to the Prime Minister for the Federal Government's commitment to defending Sabah's rights and sovereignty, including the successful rejection of external claims on the state at the international level. 'Malaysia's success in repelling foreign claims on Sabah proves that the sovereignty of this state remains firm under the Federation of Malaysia, and this gives confidence and reassurance to all Sabahans,' he said. * 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

Daily Express

2 days ago

• Daily Express

Integrity must be embedded in all levels of Sabah's administration: Tun Musa

Published on: Saturday, June 21, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Musa confers Sabah's highest state award, the Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu (SPDK), on Jahid. - fotoBERNAMA KOTA KINABALU: Integrity must be upheld across all levels of administration and leadership in Sabah to maintain public trust in government institutions, said Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman. He said it is his aspiration to see the state governed with integrity, accountability and wisdom, supported by sustainable development plans that prioritise the people's well-being. 'I believe with strong leadership and the support of the people, Sabah will continue to grow and prosper,' he said in a special address in conjunction with his 74th official birthday here today. He delivered the address at the 2025 Sabah Investiture Ceremony at Istana Seri Kinabalu, where 60 individuals received state awards, medals and honours. Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and other state leaders. Tun Musa emphasised the need to strengthen development efforts to ensure sustainable and inclusive progress, through close cooperation between the government and the people. Advertisement He also stressed the importance of addressing global challenges through progressive approaches, including the promotion of technological innovation, development of quality human capital, and the building of a resilient economy 'Building a dynamic and competitive society is crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the state's development,' he said. He further called for continued unity among the people, describing it as the foundation for peace and progress in Sabah. Tun Musa also commended Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and his Cabinet for their commitment to advancing the state in line with a more inclusive and sustainable development agenda. Sabah Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim led today's honours list after being conferred the Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu (SPDK), which carries the title 'Datuk Seri Panglima'. Businessmen Datuk Ahmad Fuad Md Ali and Datuk Albert Lim Yu Ming were also awarded the SPDK. A total of 37 individuals received the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK), which confers the title 'Datuk'. Among the recipients were Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Dr Fuziah Salleh and Kapayan assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang. Other PGDK recipients included Senator Anna Bell@Suzieana Perian, Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim, Amanah Sabah chairman Lahirul Latigu, Kota Kinabalu High Court Judge Alexander Siew How Wai, Sabah Special Branch chief SAC Abdul Rahman Ishak, State Health director Dr Maria Suleiman, and veteran journalist Emin Madi of Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Sabah Bureau. The first session of the investiture ceremony also saw five individuals receiving the Ahli Setia Darjah Kinabalu (ASDK), four each receiving the Ahli Darjah Kinabalu (ADK) and Bintang Setia Kinabalu (BSK), and six receiving the Justice of the Peace (JP) title. Earlier, Musa, accompanied by his wife Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, attended the parade held in conjunction with the official birthday celebration of the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah at Padang Merdeka. * 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

The Sun

2 days ago

• The Sun

Foreign claims dismissed, Sabah's sovereignty remains intact

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia's success in fending off foreign claims over Sabah reaffirms the state's sovereignty under the Federation of Malaysia and offers assurance and relief to the people of Sabah, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He expressed gratitude to the federal government and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the government's commitment to protecting the rights and sovereignty of the state. He said that the state government greatly values the various forms of assistance and initiatives provided by the federal government, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security. 'The strong ties and close cooperation with the federal government will continue to be upheld to ensure that Sabah is not left behind in national development,' he said. Hajiji said this in his address at the 2025 Sabah State Honours and Awards investiture ceremony held at Istana Seri Kinabalu today, where 60 individuals were conferred state honours, awards and medals by the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah, Tun Musa Aman. Hajiji also gave his assurance that the implementation of inclusive and comprehensive development policies under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap will be further enhanced as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the progress and well-being of Sabahans. He said that since its introduction, the road map has had a significant impact, particularly in areas such as economic recovery, investment, agriculture, human capital development, and the overall well-being of the people. He added that the state government is focusing on the development of the agricultural sector, which plays a crucial role in ensuring food security in Sabah, noting that the key initiatives include the establishment of the Sabah Padi and Rice Board (LPBS) and the launch of the Paddy Crop Takaful Scheme (STTP), aimed at raising the state's rice self-sufficiency level from the current 24 per cent to 60 per cent by 2030. Hajiji also said the state government has approved the establishment of the Sabah TVET Council to coordinate and monitor technical and vocational education and training in line with current industry needs. 'We want to ensure that Sabah's youth are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the development of the state and the nation,' he added.