Sabah’s cumulative investments at RM165 billion over past decade

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KOTA KINABALU: Sabah recorded a total cumulative investment of around RM165 billion over the past decade through the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC), said Chief Minister, Tan Sri Musa Aman.

He said the gap between the state and Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) also narrowed during the same period.

“In 2011, Malaysia’s GDP stood at 5.3 per cent compared to Sabah’s 2.1 per cent. But in 2015, the state’s GDP was at 6.1 per cent, surpassing that of the country at 5.0 per cent,” he added.

The text of his speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan at SDC’s 10th anniversary carnival yesterday.

Musa said based on data provided by Sabah Port Sdn Bhd, the total number of containers handled had increased since the SDC was established.

He said in 2015, the cargo handled stood at 27.8 million tonnes and increased to 35.5 million tonnes last year.

Additionally, tourist arrivals also increased from 2.3 million and around RM4 billion in revenue recorded in 2008 to 3.7 million tourists and revenue of RM7.82 billion in 2017.

“Under the 11th Malaysia Plan, SDC’s programmes will be emphasising on increasing global connectivity to ensure a smoother mobility for the people, products and services,” Musa said.

He also said SDC would also increase efforts at improving the logistics sector’s efficiency by upgrading critical infrastructures and integrating land, sea and air services, including upgrading the Sapangar Bay Container Port and expanding the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. — Bernama