PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed all cabinet ministers to fully support Sabah's efforts to develop the state's economy.
Government spokesperson Fahmi Fadzil said this aligns with the launch of the Sabah International Blue Economy Conference (Sibec) 2024 on Oct 19.
"Today, the Prime Minister emphasised that the cabinet and government agencies must give full backing to Sabah's efforts, utilising all available resources to assist Sabah in implementing the Sibec concept.
"Sibec encompasses marine resources, including not only fisheries but also mineral resources, and holds potential as a source for renewable energy," he said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting press conference.
Previously, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan in his speech at Sibec 2024 said the state wants to achieve sustainable agricultural practices to maintain healthy watersheds and coastal areas.
Kitingan, who is also the state agriculture, fisheries and food industry minister, said the discussions and initiatives from the Sibec 2024 conference had opened the door to important conversations about sustainable fisheries, renewable ocean energy, marine tourism and innovation in agriculture.
He added that Sabah was uniquely positioned to benefit from marine resources, such as seaweed and marine sponges, which can contribute to economic growth and health and pharmaceutical fields.