KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Sabah will not compromise on security in pursuing economic growth under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 plan, highlighting the state’s potential as a Blue Economy Hub in Eastern Asean.
Hajiji noted that Sabah’s rich marine biodiversity and strategic location along regional trade routes make the maritime sector a key driver of growth, including modernising fisheries, strengthening the seafood value chain, expanding marine tourism, improving ports, and developing coastal and border towns as economic hubs.
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He emphasised that these ambitions rely on stable security, particularly in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), which covers 10 districts and is supported by ESSCOM to coordinate land, sea, and air operations.
Strengthening security, he said, protects communities and enables cross-border trade, logistics, ports, and marine resource-based industries to thrive.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of health security, praising healthcare workers for their role in combating infectious diseases like tuberculosis, especially in rural and coastal areas.
He described the Hari Raya Aidilfitri cookie presentation to security forces and healthcare personnel on Tuesday as a gesture of appreciation for their service and sacrifices.
