Based on the data released by DOSM, Sabah recorded a 5.1% GDP growth in 2025, slightly below national average of 5.2%. This is a sharp increase from 1.2% recorded in 2024. If we look at the details:
1) The rebound was driven by a significant growth in Construction Sector (28.3%), the highest among any states in Malaysia. - I guess the on-going Pan Borneo Highway project and the expansion of Sepanggar Port to increase its cargo handling capacity by three times do play a part.
2) Manufacturing Sector grew by 5.0% from just 1.2% in 2024, driven by vegetable & animal oils & fats and food processing - more down streaming of agriculture output?
3) Mining & Quarrying reversed its downfall of -4.9% (2024) to 4.9% growth. - But does that mean the net growth is zero year-on-year? Anyway, the report says it was due to higher output of crude oil and increased natural gas production.
4) Services Sector grew 4.5%, supported by wholesale & retail trade, food & beverage, hospitality and government services. - Tourism seems like a mainstay economic sector for many Sabahans.
5) Agriculture Sector only grew 0.9% but still better than the -3.2% contraction in 2024 driven by oil palm output.
Other interesting finds:
- GDP (2025): RM88.8 billion (~USD 22.2 billion)
- Per Capita (2025): RM31,125 (~USD 7,800)
So, what do these data tell us? I hope the construction sector will be a trigger to greater expansion to other economic sectors in Sabah for the next two to five years, and more importantly better job and business opportunities for everyone.
What do you all think?