LABUAN (Oct 23): The Labuan Development Blueprint 2030 is capable of bringing economic development to the tax-free island, said caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said the development plan launched in 2018 was drafted covering various physical developments and economic sectors to drive economic development in Labuan.

“The Labuan Development Blueprint 2030 has been formulated to fulfil the needs of existing economic sectors and those that will be created.

“If all (development projects) are implemented, Labuan does not need to depend on the oil and gas (O&G) sector,” he said in his address at the Majlis Amanat Jelajah Keluarga Malaysia held at the Ujana Financial Complex’s convention hall on Sunday (Oct 23).

He said five thrusts drafted in the development plan include, among others, focusing on business and financial sectors in Labuan, in line with the income contribution (through tax collection) from these sectors to the country.

“The development plan also emphasises the O&G sector, besides the tourism sector, which can propel Labuan’s economy to a commendable level.

“The education sector is also among sectors that are given attention to empower human capital development on the duty-free island,” he said.

Ismail Sabri also touched on the continuous water supply issue and said a total of eight restoration projects involving pipe replacements and upgrading of water treatment plants are being implemented this year.

“The government is aware of the difficulties faced by the people in Labuan and it will certainly do something for the welfare of the people,” he added.

The proposal to develop MRSM College in Labuan was approved a long time ago and it should be able to be implemented, considering the land is already available, he said.

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/labuan-development-blueprint-2030-offers-various-economic-developments-says-ismail-sabri