Sabah to Receive RM702 million Funding for Federal Projects
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Sabah is expecting funding for 14 federal projects, including 10 new ones costing RM702 million in 2026 from the Federal Ministry of Economy. SEDIA (Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority) is the body coordinating and monitoring the federal projects. At Sedia's meeting on 21 March 2025 at Kampung Lok Batik, Tuaran, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, who is also chairman of SEDIA, said that SEDIA has done well in sourcing, coordinating, and monitoring federal funds.
Among other accomplishments.
- SEDIA has completed the Sabah Border Area Economic Development Study, basically a comprehensive strategic plan to spur economic growth at the Sipitang, Nabawan, Kalabakan and Tawau borders. The study has identified nine high potential economic sectors including community-based tourism, fishery and aquaculture, palm oil downstream industry, biochemical, biofuel and cross-border trade.The nine economic sectors are projected to boost the Gross Value Added by 330 per cent to RM1.6 billion and create 10,660 job opportunities by 2040.
- SEDIA has completed a feasibility study on blood cockle farming in cooperation with the Malaysia and Sabah Fisheries departments. The study has identified suitable locations in Tawau, Semporna, Tuaran, Kudat, Beluran and Teluk Padas Beaufort for the “Blood Cockles” community project for 3,000 people.
- The collaboration between SEDIA and Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) has assessed and guided 10 local research with commercial potential.
- SEDIA and FUTURISE Berhad, a company belonging to the Federal Finance Ministry have selected Sabah as the testing ground for passenger and cargo transportation drones.
- SEDIA has released RM2.8 billion for implementation of more than 1,275 high-impact, people-centric, poverty eradication programmes and human capital development projects, since 2009.
Hajiji commended SEDIA for maintaining a clean bill of financial health from the Auditor-General for 15 consecutive years. "I want SEDIA and other State Government agencies to continue looking for strategic partners so that they can explore new fields to generate income and job opportunities," Hajiji said.
