BLUE ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT A POTENTIAL FOR KUDAT, SAYS HAJIJI

KUDAT, April 20 (Bernama) -- The Kudat district in Sabah holds more potential for growth, particularly in the blue economy sector, further boosted by the proposed Kudat Industrial Park, which will focus on seafood-related industries and trade logistics.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that this is also due to Kudat’s strategic location and proximity to China, South Korea and Japan.

“Kudat, with its prime facilities, including deep seas and a sea port, is suitable for this development,” he said at the grand opening of the Hakka Historical Gallery Exhibition Centre and Ship-Chapel Landmark here today.

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His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Abidin Madingkir.

Hajiji further said that a ferry service to Palawan is also expected to boost trade, tourism, and local small and medium enterprises, thereby diversifying the economy.

He said the blue economy, which was launched in 2024, is also expected to be a game changer in the state’s economic diversification.

Hajiji commended the Basel Christian Church of Malaysia for completing the Ship-Chapel Landmark and the Hakka Historical Gallery Exhibition Centre.

He said the two landmarks showcase the cultural legacy of the Chinese Hakka community in Sabah, whose ancestors set foot in Kudat in 1833, adding that the development of the site into a unique tourist destination is forward-thinking.

Hajiji said that this year, the Sabah government has allocated RM70 million for non-Muslim religious bodies, mission schools and private schools to ensure their needs are met.

“This is an increase of RM13.25 million compared to the 2024 allocation of RM56.75 million. We will continue to assist to ensure unity and racial harmony, and that strong religious tolerance will prevail,” he said.

Kudat is located around 182 kilometres north of Kota Kinabalu.

-- BERNAMA