THE Ministry of Finance (MoF) has kicked off its Budget 2027 roadshow in Sabah, placing the state’s east coast blue economy among the key areas for consideration as the Government gathers input for next year’s national budget.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan began the two-day working visit to Tawau and Semporna on Aug 15, meeting the Sabah Government, relevant agencies and industry players to identify challenges and opportunities in developing fisheries, aquaculture, downstream activities, logistics and cold-chain infrastructure.
Amir said Sabah’s marine and aquaculture resources offered significant potential to generate higher-value economic activities through improved productivity, downstream processing, stronger supply chains and wider market access.
“Sabah has significant natural advantages in the marine and aquaculture sectors that can potentially be translated into higher-value economic activities through increased productivity, downstream processing, stronger supply chains and market access.
“Budget 2027 will examine measures that can help local industries grow, create employment opportunities and increase the incomes of local communities,” he said in a statement released by the ministry on Sunday.
The focus on the blue economy is aligned with the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), which identifies the sector as one of the strategic areas for diversifying Malaysia’s sources of economic growth.
Amir also inspected the implementation of Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) on Bum Bum Island in Semporna and in Tawau, assessing the delivery of assistance and whether eligible recipients were receiving the support provided by the Government.
He also visited the Royal Malaysian Navy’s KA Tun Azizan to assess operational readiness in safeguarding Sabah’s east coast waters.
Amir said effective maritime security was crucial to supporting fisheries, aquaculture, tourism and other maritime economic activities.
At Tawau Airport, he reviewed airport operations and expansion projects, highlighting improved connectivity as an important catalyst for the movement of people, business activity, tourism and economic growth along Sabah’s east coast.
The MoF said the Budget 2027 consultation process was being conducted nationwide to obtain views and proposals directly from state governments, industry players, business communities, financial institutions and various sections of society.
The process is intended to ensure that Budget 2027 reflects the actual needs of the people and the economy, while considering the development priorities and potential of individual states and regions.
Among the key areas being examined are the cost of living and public welfare, education and healthcare, access to financing for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), public safety, inclusion of vulnerable groups and environmental sustainability.
The ministry said the Budget 2027 preparation process would include 25 engagement sessions with ministries, 14 state Budget roadshows and at least 20 focus group discussions involving state governments, industry, financial institutions, business communities and various segments of society.
Budget 2027 will also adopt an Outcome-Based Budgeting approach, placing greater emphasis on the effectiveness and measurable impact of public spending.
The Minister said the approach was intended to ensure that every ringgit spent addressed people's needs, created economic opportunities and delivered tangible results.
“This approach is aimed at ensuring that every ringgit spent can solve the problems faced by the people, create economic opportunities and produce a tangible impact.
“This step is crucial to ensuring that Government allocations are managed efficiently, performance is measured transparently and the intended outcomes are delivered to the people,” he added.
The MoF said feedback gathered during the Sabah visit and subsequent nationwide engagement sessions would be considered in finalising Budget 2027, with development guided by an inclusive and balanced approach under the Economy MADANI framework. - August 16, 2026
