KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor has directed

the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) to continue

promoting drone technology as productivity-enhancing and development project

monitoring tools.

"This is because drone technology has assisted SEDIA in expediting land planning and

environmental monitoring processes in line with the State's development objectives.

"Furthermore, SEDIA has a vital role in strengthening Sabah's economy through the

Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) 2.0 Action Plan.

"Through this initiative, SEDIA supports investments in the agriculture, infrastructure and

green technology sectors in line with Sabah's vision of achieving sustainable

development and global competitiveness," said Hajiji at the Sabah Drone Open Day at

SICC here today.

Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe delivered the Chief

Minister's speech.

Hajiji said the State Government wants to further promote the use of drone technology,

which is already in use in many economic sectors, including agriculture, tourism,

construction, logistics and security.

"It has also assisted in resolving worker shortage issue in the agriculture sector.

"Therefore, I call for greater cooperation between the government, industry, researchers

and community to adapt drone technology to spur Sabah's economy," said Hajiji, who is

also chairman of SEDIA.

Sabah should not lag behind in use of technology he said, adding that technological

progress is also among the main priorities in the State's investor-friendly policy.

Ends