KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's economy recorded its strongest performance in six years last year, growing by 5.1 per cent with gross domestic product (GDP) reaching RM88.8 billion.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said growth was driven by the services sector, which expanded by 4.5 per cent, manufacturing by five per cent and construction by 28.3 per cent.
"Sabah has momentum. Our task now is to turn it into stronger local businesses, higher-value industries, better jobs and opportunities for communities across the state," he said at the Sabah Edition of Kembara Borneo 2026 here.
Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun delivered Hajiji's speech.
Hajiji said Sabah's record development allocation of RM12.02 billion under the 13th Malaysia Plan, covering 933 new projects and 240 extension projects, would further boost the state's competitiveness and appeal to investors.
"Our aspiration is not only to attract businesses to Sabah. We also want to help Sabah-based companies grow into national, regional and global champions.
"That means nurturing creativity, resilience and entrepreneurship, especially among our young people," he said.
He added that Sabah had significant economic potential in agriculture, the blue economy and downstream industries, supported by its natural resources, biodiversity and strategic location.
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