KOTA KINABALU: 31 October 2026
Government agencies must work with banks, industry and the private sector to help small and medium enterprises overcome business challenges.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said SMEs are vital to Sabah. They create jobs and sustain livelihoods in towns, districts and rural areas.
“Many still struggle to access finance, technology and wider markets. Rising costs add further pressure,” he said.
Digital tools, he said, can bridge distance. “Through e-commerce, social media and digital payments, even rural entrepreneurs can reach customers beyond their own communities.
“We must ensure women, young people and community-based enterprises have the support to grow,” he said at the opening of the BIGSABAH Sale 2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
The event brings together exhibitors from 12 countries and nine Malaysian states.
Hajiji said Sabah’s position within BIMP-EAGA — Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines — offers trade opportunities in tourism, agriculture, food production, logistics and services.
“To seize them, businesses must improve quality, branding and packaging. Our foods, handicrafts, agricultural products and services have potential well beyond Sabah,” he said.
He called on exhibitors from abroad and Peninsular Malaysia to build lasting trade ties.
“We want stronger business-to-business engagement that moves beyond showcasing products to securing partnerships for long-term growth — purchase orders, distribution agreements and new investment,” he said.
As the state targets four million arrivals in 2026 and prepares for Visit Sabah 2027, he said growth must benefit local people.
“More visitors must mean more opportunities for Sabah’s retailers, food producers, service providers and community businesses. Exhibitors, buyers and visitors create demand for accommodation, transport, food and other services.”
He urged exhibitors to use the sale to meet buyers, exchange ideas and build partnerships.
“May ‘Across Markets, Beyond Borders’ inspire Sabah’s entrepreneurs to reach further with confidence.”-HS
