Sabah GDP growth up to RM73.8 billion

KOTA KINABALU: The State gross domestic product (GDP) recorded encouraging growth of RM73.8 billion last year, an improvement of RM14.5 billion from RM59.3 billion in 2011.

This places Sabah’s economy fifth among other states, said assistant minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Mohd Ariffin Mohd Arif.

The services sector contributed most to the State’s economic growth with an increase of 31.3 per cent in the last five years, while agriculture remained one of the most important sectors with a contribution of 20 per cent to the State GDP in 2016.

“Next year, the economy in Sabah is expected to continue flourishing, driven by strengthening global trade and the recovery of commodity prices, in addition to more prominent support from external factors,” he said.

Ariffin also attributed the projected strengthening in the economy to positive growth momentum in the tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and oil and gas sectors.

He said this during the State government’s Majlis Sekalung Budi Seikhlas Persara Pantai Barat Selatan appreciation luncheon yesterday.

The assistant minister added that with good performance and heightening economic prospects, the State government remains committed to advancing Sabah to reach a higher level of development and success in future.

He further said the State government will keep its focus on strategies for development with the key purpose of strengthening and solidifying the economy to improve the people’s welfare inclusively.

Fifty retirees from various State government departments across Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Putatan and Papar were honoured during the luncheon.

Ariffin thanked them for their service and reiterated that the successes of the State government would not be possible without the tireless contribution of its staff.