Kota Kinabalu: Pantai Manis Assemblyman Datuk Pengiran Saifuddin Pengiran Tahir called on the Sabah Government to strengthen its support for grassroots economic activities, particularly women-led microenterprises in coastal and rural communities.
Speaking during the State Budget 2026 debate, he said traditional businesses, such as kuih-making and belacan production, which are largely operated by women and fishing families, have strong income-generating potential but remain under-supported.
“These small enterprises are a real people’s economy. They may be small in scale, but they play an important role in supporting household incomes and community well-being,” he said.
Saifuddin noted that most of these businesses continue to operate at a micro level due to constraints in capital, processing equipment, packaging quality, food safety certification, and access to broader markets.
“Without systematic support, their productivity remains limited. With the right assistance, these enterprises can grow, become more sustainable, and contribute more meaningfully to the rural economy,” he said.
He said State data shows micro and small enterprises account for a significant share of rural employment in Sabah, but their contribution to overall economic value could be increased through a more structured and coordinated approach.
Saifuddin urged the State Government, through its ministries and agencies, to expand grassroots economic development programmes that include entrepreneurship training, processing equipment assistance, improved packaging standards, food safety certification, and access to wider markets, including digital platforms.
“This approach will not only raise incomes among small operators but also help build stronger and more sustainable local economic chains in Pantai Manis,” he said.
The Assemblyman also highlighted concerns over youth unemployment in Sabah, which remains higher than the national average due to skills mismatch and limited suitable job opportunities.
“Young people are Sabah’s most valuable asset. We need to equip them with skills that match sectors with high growth potential,” he said.
He suggested aligning skills training programmes with industries such as modern fisheries, food processing, logistics, community-based tourism, and the digital economy, while encouraging entrepreneurship so that youths become job creators rather than job seekers.
Saifuddin expressed strong support for the Sabah Government’s efforts to secure the state’s 40 per cent revenue entitlement under Article 112C of the Federal Constitution, saying its full implementation would significantly strengthen the state’s fiscal capacity.
He also praised the State Government’s education initiatives, including Budi, Bakti and SUBFLY, as well as scholarship and financial aid schemes for students.
“Education is a long-term investment. These initiatives help students from low- and middle-income families access higher education and build the human capital needed for Sabah’s future,” he said.
In concluding his debate, Saifuddin described the State Budget 2026 as comprehensive, realistic, and people-centred, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive development, youth empowerment, and grassroots economic growth.
“With transparent, effective, and integrity-driven implementation, this budget can bring real improvements to the lives of the people in Pantai Manis and across Sabah,” he said, adding that he fully supports the budget.
