SANDAKAN: A month after the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) was launched, a statewide roadshow has begun. In this east coast town, thousands are drawn to booths promoting opportunities in education, tourism and a host of other economic activities.

After its one-day stop at the Sibuga Jaya hall here yesterday, the roadshow will move to Ranau, Papar, Keningau and Tawau, covering all corners of the state by the middle of next week.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, who officiated the Yayasan Sabah-organised roadshow, reminded the people to grab opportunities that the SDC would bring during its 18-year span, ending in 2025.

"There will be development in all parts of the state and for Sandakan, we will focus on creating an education hub so that students do not have to travel far for education.

"An education hub will help with promoting human capital development and give a chance to entrepreneurs to conduct business activities such as providing food and other items that education institutes need.
"We will also continue to develop the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster so that processing of crude palm oil can be done locally. We want to provide jobs for the people," he said before handing over copies of the SDC blueprint to district administrators on the east coast.

Present was Yayasan Sabah director Tan Sri Khalil Jamalul.

The SDC, which Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched on Jan 29, will see RM105 billion in mostly-private investments over its 18-year period and will multiply Sabah's Gross Domestic Product by four times to RM63.2 billion, creating 900,000 jobs.

The blueprint developed by the Institute for Development Studies will steer Sabah into becoming one of five most liveable places in Asia, and will pay close attention to regional balance and sustainable management of resources.

Pusat Giatmara (Mara-run skills centre) trainee Mohd Rizal Roslan, 19, said he was glad that there were opportunities for youths like himself to pick up new skills.

"I am glad that there are plans for an education hub here because I may get a chance to further my education," he said.

At the Sabah Parks booth, staff Joe Michael was explaining to visitors the importance of conservation, especially that of turtles.