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The Sabah government is studying a proposal to revive barter trade between Sabah and the southern Philippines, weighing its economic potential against longstanding security concerns.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the idea has resurfaced following increasing calls from various quarters, but stressed that no decision would be made without a thorough and comprehensive study.

“Right now we are studying it. Many parties have submitted proposals. All aspects will be taken into account, especially in terms of security and its benefits to our state economy and traders,” he said when met during his working visit in Pulau Langkayan on Tuesday.

Hajiji said the matter would be tabled at both the State Security Council and the State Development Action Council, underscoring the need to balance economic opportunities with security priorities.

The renewed push for barter trade was also raised during last week’s state assembly sitting, where Sungai Manila assemblyman Datuk Hazem Mubarak Musa urged the government to reconsider the system as a way to revive Sandakan’s economy.