KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan has proven to be effective with nearly RM7bil of revenue raked in by the state government last year.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said as of Dec 31, 2022, a total of RM6.96bil of revenue had been collected.

“The biggest collection since gaining independence is proof that the state government of today has done its best in managing Sabah,” he said during the Tuaran district Chinese New Year open house at Dewan Sri Sulaman, Tuaran on Thursday night (Jan 26).

He said this is despite attempts by certain quarters to take over the state administration in a “wrongful manner”, a challenge they were able to face and handle following support from Pakatan Harapan peers and some from Umno and Barisan Nasional.

Hajiji said the investor-friendly approach by Sabah also contributed to the increase of investors in the state.

“We are opening as many opportunities for investors to come to Sabah to generate more economic opportunities and employment for Sabah folk.

“This is part of the measures to improve the state’s economy, post Covid-19 pandemic.

“I also want to assure the people, especially the Tionghua community, that today’s state government will continue to do its best through SMJ to ensure Sabah progress and the people benefit from all the opportunities available in the state,” he added.

On the celebration, Hajiji said he was happy to see the attendance of people from all walks of life, and that the government wants to see the harmony among the diverse groups be continued and strengthened.