TAWAU, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- Sabah’s marine and aquaculture sectors will receive special focus in the preparation of Budget 2027 as the government identifies the Blue Economy as a new strategic area to drive economic growth.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the Federal government is working closely with the Sabah state government to ensure the sector is developed effectively for the benefit of the people.
He said Sabah has strong potential to lead in marine and aquaculture industries, prompting the government to engage with industry players during the Budget 2027 engagement session here today.
“An outcome-based allocation approach will ensure infrastructure investments and financing can accelerate the growth of the marine industry.
“Sabah’s natural advantages in marine and aquaculture sectors can be translated into higher-value economic activities through increased productivity, downstream processing, stronger supply chains and better market access,” he told a press conference after the session.
Amir Hamzah said the development of the Blue Economy also includes downstream processing activities that can add value to local marine resources.
He cited Sabah’s seaweed processing industry, which has successfully penetrated major export markets such as China and the United Kingdom.
“Strengthening the supply chain and downstream processing is expected to create more quality job opportunities and increase the income of local communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Amir Hamzah said the government is working closely with the Sabah state government to align proposals under the Sabah Maju Jaya plan with the preparations for Budget 2027 and the 13th Malaysia Plan.
-- BERNAMA