KOTA KINABALU: Sabah plans to develop an aerospace hub in the state, said state Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif.
"At present, the ministry is conducting a feasibility study on the potential development of the aerospace industry in Sabah together with the Malaysia Space Agency (MYSA).
"This industry has the potential to significantly boost the state's revenue compared with the oil and gas industry.
"The results of the study are very promising due to the state's location near the equator and the rapid development of the global aerospace market, making it very cost-effective for launches," he said during a winding-up speech at the state assembly sitting here.
The development of the Sabah International Aerospace Launch Center and Industrial Park is expected to be completed within five years.
Arifin said an aerospace hub in the state could create various jobs, including professional, vocational and technical positions.
He added that the local industry and logistics sector would also benefit from the aerospace industry in Sabah.
The ministry is also planning to develop the Sabah Geospatial Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Data Centre to identify research and development needs in the STI domain.
"This data centre will serve as a strategic information sharing platform between agencies, utilising resources efficiently and optimally based on policies and laws, and will facilitate and assist the government in making sustainable decisions in specific areas relevant to Sabah's needs and potential."
