Image credit: Daily Express
SABAH attracted RM11.368 billion in investments as of the second quarter of 2025, making the State the fifth highest investment recipient in Malaysia.
State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the investment value, comprising foreign and domestic investments across the services, manufacturing and main sectors, has already surpassed the total RM6.458 billion recorded in 2024, marking a significant 76 per cent increase.
“The manufacturing sector remains the main contributor with RM7.472 billion, followed by services at RM3.139 billion, while the main sector, covering industrial, tourism and agriculture, contributed RM757 million,” he said, when tabling the Sabah Budget 2026.
Masidi said the figures demonstrate investors’ confidence in Sabah’s stable economic environment, investor-friendly policies and the Government’s commitment to strengthening the industrial ecosystem.
He said Sabah’s consistent efforts to reinforce the industrial sector through inclusive policies, high-impact projects and the provision of conducive industrial infrastructure continue to show positive outcomes.
“Sabah’s manufacturing sector continues to record strong performance, contributing 7.2 per cent to Sabah’s GDP with a growth of 1.2 per cent in 2024,” he said, noting that the sector remains resilient despite global economic uncertainty.
Among the major investments driving industrial sector growth is the RM6.592 billion Phase 1 investment by Singapore-based Esteel Enterprise Sabah Sdn Bhd for a green steel manufacturing plant in Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park (SOGIP).
The project involves iron ore concentration, pellet production and hot briquetted iron (HBI). Initial site preparation has begun and will proceed with the construction of a private jetty to support logistics.
The project is expected to strengthen the local industrial supply chain, generate high-skilled jobs, increase local vendor participation and enhance Sabah’s steel industry ecosystem.
In line with the State’s aspirations to accelerate industrial sector development, RM249.19 million is allocated in 2026. Of this, RM194.04 million goes to the Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport Ministry (KPKP) and its agencies to drive industrial growth, intensify promotional activities and strengthen trade.
Development of Small and Medium Industries (IKS) will continue to be prioritised as a key supporting industry. Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), the State Entrepreneurship Programme will be introduced in 2026 with RM5 million to enhance the competitiveness of IKS entrepreneurs. KPKP is also allocated RM16.86 million to participate in local and international expositions to expand market access for Sabah products.
In addition, RM18.55 million is allocated through the Finance Ministry, the Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry and the Rural Development Ministry for local entrepreneurship development programmes. A total of RM15 million is provided for the SME-UP Assistance Programme to enhance IKS capacity and productivity.
KPLB is allocated RM1.5 million to implement the Rural Products Empowerment and District Skills Development Programme, while RM2.05 million is channelled to the Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry for high-impact programmes including Sabah Sandbox Accelerate 2026, Creative Incubator 2026 and Pitchborneo.
Under 13MP, an approved ceiling of RM500.1 million is allocated for 123 programmes and projects, including 34 continuation and 89 new projects. Part of this allocation will be channelled to agencies under KPKP such as Sedco, KKIP Sdn Bhd, Poic Sabah Sdn Bhd and Sabah Oil & Gas Development Corporation (SOGDC) Sdn Bhd.
Source: https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/272498/rm11-3-billion-investments-masidi/

